Lateral from MM IB to BB/EB to potentially land UMM/MF PE?

Just a bit of background, I have finally landed a role in a middle market investment bank (Stifel, Lincoln, Baird). I'm open about going to a MM PE role down the line, but would like to at least have a shot at the UMM/MF PE firms or even growth equity shops. That said, I'm willing to do a year at the new bank and then lateral after a year.

However, what I am curious about is is it worth going through the interview process given I went to a non-target and am of a non-diversity background? I heard they're very keen on your academic background when hiring for MF/UMM PE associate roles. I hope that this is wong and they would value the deal experience and bank name over everything else, but open to hearing your thoughts on it.

3 Comments
 

The problem is you will likely have missed oncycle by the time you lateral. MF is likely out. Off-cycle UMM might be possible, but not a certainty. You may lateral just to end up at a MM PE shop.

Academic background is extremely important - the reality is there are literally hundreds of BB/EB people with good deal experience, they can't interview everyone so they filter down a bit based on GPA, school, even high school SAT score sometimes.

 
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