Jumping Ships as An1 (MF PE)
Context: I'm a 2024 grad, been in my seat for 1yr, and offered a role by my old boss at a shop I interned at doing the exact same thing. Title promote, and pay bump is huge but doing the exact same stuff as I do now.
Dilemma is that I really like my team rn but we struggle on deals/pay. I chose it because the shop I interned at didn't do Analyst programs, my one currently did. Any advice on whether the offer makes sense to take or stay more loyal to current firm and come back next year?
Both roles in PE and my end goal is publics.
Alright, tell me if I'm understanding this right. You're wrapping your first analyst year at a MF and have an offer to join another fund as an Associate 1? If so, questions:
Hey — a huge thanks for your response, I’m a big fan of all of your posts.
Prestige and caliber is almost, identical. Former boss (whose offer I have to join) is younger and has done exceptionally well too. Just made Partner at his firm.
Hedge Fund — open to all types but I really enjoy event-driven. Definitely not into doing a MBA thing (and therefore likely cancel out my chances at those LOs you mentioned) — but having said that, I hold a deferred 2+2 offer for H/S.
A2A guaranteed at current. Better training I’d say is current (given the Analyst program here has been a thing whereas new shop doesn’t have one).
Nothing economically at all haha…
Look, at the end of the day, everyone is out for themselves. You, your colleagues, your boss, and your firm. You need to do what's best for you. It sounds like this move has almost all upside (assuming similar tiers of shop) and no real downside (maybe diligence your ex-boss' track record a bit more?).
If for whatever reason, your team/boss are going to throw a fit / burn bridges due to your moving, those aren't people that would've had your back to begin with in the long run. While people mention that the PE industry is small, which to a certain extent is true, most people aren't petty enough to care about what an analyst does lol especially if there isn't anything shady behind it.
Case in point, I remember we hired an on-cycle associate (MF) and he/she reneged I think 3 months before start date. I forgot their name already and honestly wouldn't really hold a grudge against them if I were to see them in the future.
A big thank you for taking the time to respond. Much appreciate it and well received on these points; and thanks a lot for pointing out the track record of ex-MD — will DD that mire
Re-reading that you're an analyst (not associate).
Only other consideration I would have is on A2A promote and/or caliber of the programs (not the actual prestige but the learning experience). As you have a 2+2 offer (H/S) seems like you're a smart kid that will get promoted in either firm so go with your gut instinct and continue with a place where you'll learn more and worst case you can always f off to your MBA
Best of luck!
Your post seems normal but responses seem as if they’re written by chat gpt
Anyways.. if your end goal is HF, look at the exit ops at both funds for associates who have gone to HFs. If there is a big difference, you have your answer. If not, what is your coverage? If there is a difference, consider which one will get you preferred coverage at the potential HF role.
If you’re truly at an MF and can do either H/S 2+2, you’ll get an oppty to recruit for HFs out of MBA too and the added benefit of having either of those schools on your resume, but you don’t need to do an MBA to build a long career on the HF side. Know and have seen people who went to H/S with IB and PE backgrounds and ended up at funds that are perceived as prestigious on this forum (but remember prestige =\= quality of the seat).
Thanks for the kind words above. I agree with the above - I'd prioritize which firm is going to get you to your end goal (HFs) with (i) quickest timeline (if that's a priority), (ii) most well-prepared.
I guess my general take is that I don't get the point of jumping ship on your current gig just to move to Associate a year earlier if you don't actually want to stay in PE long-term. Seems disruptive, especially if you're not unhappy in your current seat.
Appreciate everyone’s responses, ultimately decided to stay. What sold me was no point trading up a position if I’m leaving to a fund in x years
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