As the title mentions, I am an MBB consultant currently and trying to break into PE. Ideally, I want to start in 2025, but may shift my sights for 2026 based on how things are currently going. I am not seeing a lot of traction from PE firms regarding coffee chats or first round interviews after being contacted by search firms about the opportunity. Does anyone have any advice?
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You're not the only one alone here, many MBB friends I know also mentioning no traction on interviews or anything else after initial outreach, seems like consultants aren't a priority for the majority of these funds at the moment, which sucks...
You're def not alone, many friends at MBB have been telling me similar stories about not getting past the inbound stage or not getting any traction with shops even after expressing high interest. It seems like consultants are being left out this year, but other people might know better
Would recommend connecting/networking with MBB and/or college alums at the firms you’re targeting as soon as you get any traction or notice of a potential first round. Am an MBB who got a 2024 UMM offer after late 2022 start date - obviously ymmv, but found this to be extremely beneficial during my off-cycle process in terms of converting interest to rounds of interviews
Bankers >
Couple questions - Are you an A/AC/BA right now? If you're not, that's immediately going to reduce your chances significantly. And if you are, what sort of funds are you looking at? There are some well-known "consultant-friendly" funds that hire from MBB, and there's a whole bunch of funds that only hire bankers. It could be as simple as not going for the right opportunities.
Currently an A/AC/BA, have been working for almost 6 months and I am looking at UMM firms that are "consulting-friendly". Definitely will focus more on utilizing the alumni network from my current firm to get more interviews.
Ok, that’s great. Honestly I don’t have a clear line of sight on recruiting but it might just be that off-cycle recruiting is slow right now. Since you’re only 6 months in you can definitely do on-cycle when it comes around this summer, just be prepared. And doesn’t hurt to network with alumni at all.
Thought I’d clear this up. Off cycle recruiting definitely is not slow right now — think this is the busiest it’s been since on-cycle back in July. I’d do your best to schedule calls with headhunters and express your interest. There are still a good number of MM shops with spots open and a handful of UMMs (MFs are mostly wrapped up). Thinking about 2026 may not be a bad idea, gives you a good 6-7 months to prepare and could actually be turned into a positive situation if you use the extra time to improve your candidacy. Again, be proactive with recruiters, ask to schedule calls, and be crystal clear about what you’re looking for. Best of luck!
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