Leave Career-Track PE Job for MBA?

Hello Friends,

I currently am an associate at a private equity mega fund (previously an IB analyst at Goldman). I was hired on for a "career-track" role (meaning not a 'two-and-out' program), so I can stay at the firm as long as I would like.

I generally enjoy the firm and the people I work with, but I am totally on the fence about leaving for an MBA or not. I graduated from a state school, and I can't help but feel like I'll be at a disadvantage on paper as my career progresses without an Ivy to provide "credibility."

Question is: Would you leave PE to get an MBA, just to try and recruit back into PE?

Thanks for the help!

 

I would recommend only if you have a promised spot to return to and if you receive admission to either Harvard/Stanford, possibly Wharton. Your background would lend you a good shot to either H/S.

Otherwise, with your background and access to the types of people you most certainly come across on a day to day basis will build you just as strong of a network. The PE world continues to slowly change towards caring less. If you have a promise to return and get into one of those 2/3 schools, then I would say it makes more sense just because people will always be awed by a degree from one of those programs.

 
Most Helpful

^This. Assuming that you like the place your are currently at, the only reason where I think a MBA would be worth it is if you at a return offer. As I am sure you are aware of, PE recruiting is challenging at the MBA level as there are less seats post-MBA than they are pre so the competition is fierce. Given you are already at a MF, I really don't see the upside you could gain, even by adding H/S to your resume. Frankly your work experience is more important and having working at GS and moved on to a MF is all the credibility you need. Ultimately, your career progression is going to hinge on whether you can make successful investments, not your education pedigree.

 

Enim expedita qui ut. Unde incidunt dolorum cupiditate. Aut dolores id ipsum quidem sapiente quia.

Non nobis provident consequatur accusantium. Enim accusantium molestias repellendus saepe earum cum eaque. Quia ea libero sunt libero aliquam ex quibusdam omnis.

Sit porro voluptatibus sint quis vitae est. Sunt repellat at excepturi quasi est quod. Voluptas qui quibusdam similique fuga.

I am permanently behind on PMs, it's not personal.

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.5%
  • Warburg Pincus 99.0%
  • Blackstone Group 98.4%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 97.9%
  • Bain Capital 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.5%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.4%
  • Ardian 97.9%
  • Bain Capital 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.5%
  • Bain Capital 99.0%
  • Blackstone Group 98.4%
  • Warburg Pincus 97.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (21) $586
  • Vice President (92) $362
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (89) $280
  • 2nd Year Associate (204) $268
  • 1st Year Associate (386) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (28) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (83) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (246) $122
  • Intern/Summer Associate (32) $82
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (313) $59
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”