MBB ---> PE Megafund - what's the gameplan?

I started at an MBB on the west coast last fall, and just recently got interested in PE. To those who made the move from consulting to PE or are looking to make the move, what should I be doing if my long run target is to get into a megafund (BX, BainCap, KKR, Carlyle etc.).

What kind of engagements should I try to get staffed on? Who should I be talking to? How should I be preparing on the side? When should I try to recruit etc.? Also - I know the typical route is IB ---> PE or increasingly, undergrad ---> PE, but I would appreciate any info on how many MBB analysts make it to the different megafunds every year. If it matters, I went to a top public school and double majored in business and engineering (slightly above 3.5 GPA).

3 Comments
 
Best Response

Your chances are extremely low. I don't really know many people at megafunds, but the people I do know are almost exclusively from top banking groups (you know the list - GS TMT/FIG, BX R&R/M&A, MS M&A). All but one of the people i know are from ivies, and had very high grades.

Coming from a consulting job, non-target school, and average grades is going to make a megafund practically impossible. i'd be very surprised if you could even get into the tier below the megafunds (upper MMs like H&F, THL, Berkshire, etc.).

sorry to be so critical, but this is just the reality.

 

Joxy, thank you for the prompt and honest reply. I definitely appreciate it. I understand that it is a long shot. My undergrad school and my decision to go into consulting are variables I can't change at this point, but what are other things I can do that might make me a better candidate for PE. Would getting staffed on finance or due diligence projects help? What about a top MBA (H/S/W)?

 

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