How to think about PE fund prestige and future career options?
Out of undergrad, it was pretty clear for consulting that getting into MBB would lead to significant career advantages down the line. For PE, I don't really understand how the industry works and don't have clear perspective on how much "prestige" etc. matters. I also don't know anyone older than me in PE so have no points of contact. I actually got two offers on on cycle at 2 different firms using 2 different headhunters (bad, I know, but I plan on making a decision soon and the start date is 2025). One is more "prestigious" but I felt like I was a better fit at the other. I don't want advice on which offer to choose, but I do want to understand the implications of reputation within PE. If I worked at a top MF, would that unlock opportunities I wouldn't have at a solid UMM? If I worked at a reputable MM, would I be incapable of recruiting up to a solid UMM afterwards? I really don't understand how things work but would love to hear some insights from people (please note in your response if you are guessing/speculating and do not know that you are 100% correct)
Less black and white when it comes to "prestige" the way you are solving for (long term career advantages). The reasons are 1) it can get nichey by relative strengths by industry vertical and 2) some MM/UMM can be less well known overall but can have exception returns and thus have "prestige" to those who know. etc. etc.
Some thoughts that might be helpful to you:
This is really helpful, thanks! One quick follow up: aside from prestige, from a comp/WLB framing I'm assuming it's then smart to try and make sure you're working at the right sort of place. Any tips for figuring this out? Also, assuming there is then mostly mobility up to VP and less so after?
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