Handling PE recruiting when unsure of location

Me: First year analyst at top IB group in NYC, want to exit to PE; my girlfriend: finishing senior year of college in non-NY location, pre-med. Dating for 2 years.

I’m having trouble navigating the PE process because I don’t know which location I will be in in 2 years. That depends on where my girlfriend gets into med school since we don’t want to be long distance for longer than 2 years, and it doesn’t make sense for her to only apply to NYC med schools since applications are so competitive, so we’re thinking I’ll move to a finance hub close to where she goes for school.  

I’m in some processes right now for NYC based PE firms but if she doesn’t get into a good NY med school, then I wouldn’t want to be in New York. But I don’t want to be dumb and miss my chance of getting into PE by not recruiting right now. Any advice? I want to marry her.

4 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Offcycle recruiting is probably the best bet - if she's going directly to med school in 2025, you should have a whole year to recruit for that location.

That said, there are fewer locations to do PE then there are to go to med school... opportunities really get slim outside of the Tier 2/3 cities, and the smaller cities will expect you to have some family/personal ties to the area (outside of med school, which is temporary). i.e. if you are not from/didn't go to school in Texas, and your only reason to be there is for a few years of med school, they will pick someone with local ties for a Texas PE job. Residency will also throw another wrench into things and is longer-term - you should think about that too.

I think a useful exercise would be making a list of all the places you could fairly easily do PE - NY, SF, Chi, LA, Miami, Boston, Charlotte, Denver, maybe Atlanta/San Diego.. and then drawing a 1hr commute circle around each to make a list of med schools. Dallas/Houston also have excellent med schools near both, but again, Texas is a very insular place when it comes to PE recruiting.

Good luck man

 

Based on previous WSO threads, here's what you need to know:

Navigating PE Recruiting with Uncertain Location:

  1. Current Processes in NYC:

    • Continue with your current NYC-based PE processes. Securing a position now can provide you with leverage and options later.
    • If you receive an offer, you can always discuss potential future relocation with the firm. Many firms have multiple offices or can be flexible for top talent.
  2. Flexibility and Communication:

    • Be transparent with potential employers about your situation. Highlight your commitment to the firm but also your personal circumstances.
    • Firms may appreciate your honesty and could offer solutions, such as starting in NYC with the possibility of transferring later.
  3. Broaden Your Search:

    • Start networking and applying to PE firms in other major finance hubs (e.g., Chicago, Boston, San Francisco) where your girlfriend might attend med school.
    • This dual approach ensures you have options regardless of where she gets accepted.
  4. Leverage Relationships:

    • Use your current network and headhunters to explore opportunities in multiple locations.
    • Reach out to alumni or contacts in the industry who might have insights or connections in other cities.
  5. Long-Term Planning:

    • Consider the long-term implications of your career and relationship. If you’re serious about marrying her, prioritize finding a balance that supports both your career and her education.
    • Discuss potential scenarios with your girlfriend to ensure you’re both on the same page about possible relocations.
  6. Backup Plans:

    • Have a contingency plan if things don’t go as expected. This could include staying in NYC temporarily or exploring remote work options if available.

Summary:

  • Continue NYC Processes: Don’t miss out on current opportunities.
  • Communicate: Be open with potential employers about your situation.
  • Broaden Search: Look into other finance hubs.
  • Network: Use your connections to explore options.
  • Plan Together: Ensure alignment with your girlfriend on future plans.
  • Backup Plans: Have alternatives ready.

Good luck with your recruiting process and your relationship!

Sources: Leave Top Surgical Residency Program for Finance, PE Lateral Recruiting Advice/Stories/Help?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/a-guide-on-how-to-navigate-on-cycle-pe-recruiting?customgpt=1, Advice: Transitioning from Csuite healthcare -> PE, The PE career path

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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