LMM PE B School prospects

Accepted an offer last year at an LMM PE firm (~$900 million latest fund) with a 2 year program, and was curious about b school prospects. The firm is well-regarded within its industry focus, but wanted some insight on B School prospects for PE associates at smaller shops. For context, come from target school background and work in a well regarded group (GS TMT / MS M&A). Is H / S / W still possible if you’re not coming from MF / UMM? I know PE applicants are in one of the most competitive buckets when it comes to admissions so would appreciate any insight.

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What have the other Associates done in the past? Have they all gone to HSW? Have you talked to any of the current/past Associates on the exit options?

I feel like the selling point of most LMM/MM funds is that you aren't 2 and outed. At UMM and MF the selling point is, you will be two and outed, but you'll most likely get into H/S or the brand/experience is so strong you'll have no trouble finding a Senior Associate role at a smaller fund.

If you firm has a relationship with H/S/W and has sent people there in the past, I'd think your chances are as good as anyone elses. If most Associates don't go to B school and there's no record of B school placement, I'd say chances are very slim at H/S, ok at W, and good at the rest of the M7, assuming an otherwise good profile and strong execution.

I ran through the numbers on another post the other day regarding PE --> GSB, ~20% of the class is coming from PE. So there are maybe 80 slots for PE/VC/Investment Management. Even assuming a slightly higher weight for the PE side, there are maybe 40 slots. Now think of all the MF and UMM funds that GSB are going to have to take a few kids from. Maybe they take a handful of non brand name PE/VC shops. You basically need to be one of those folks.

 

Appreciate the insight. Firm seems to have had a relatively strong pipeline to GSB (4-5 associates have exited there in the past, last instance being a couple years ago) but in more recent years, looks like lateraling to a diff MM PE firm or exiting to industry are more common routes. Does it make a difference / prove an advantage if current upper management are from H / S / W? Heavy presence from all three schools but these individuals all came to the firm post-MBA and have had previous MF experience.

 

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