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If you're post-MBA it's going to be extremely difficult to get a PE job from either firm, FYI.
Can't comment on how McK places, but I can't think of any post-MBA consultants who left Bain while I was there to go to PE (lots of pre-MBAs do though, obviously).
Agreed.
Post-MBA it will be very very difficult. But difficult > impossible.
I'd say there are two ways of looking at it.
While 1 is somewhat valid for Bain Capital, I think people over-estimate the benefit of being at Bain to get to PE. First off, almost all of your peers at Bain are vying for the same (not very accessible) Bain Capital seat.
I think #2 is a strong point. McK has a Goldman-type brand. It'll go further (IMO). Most of the guys I've met from consulting backgrounds in PE are from McK. Sure, I've met guys from BCG and Bain as well, but it seems like McK is over represented (this is pre-MBA btw).
That being said, post-MBA consulting to PE is defintely an uphill battle. Like the other poster, I haven't seen it. Then again, you never ever see it, until you do. So I wouldn't say its impossible, but you'll have to be pretty hungry, resourceful and lucky.
One thing you didn't mention is group placement. Obviously you'd want to be in a PE-facing seat.
Repeat a lot of what Marcus has said above, and the Corporate Finance group at McK tends to be the best bet PE as far as PE recruiting goes.
Although I've seen plenty of former McK BAs in PE, I've never come across a post-MBA (other than Partner level) move over to PE. I'm sure it has happened, but it's exceedingly uncommon. That said, I think the advantage goes to McK here; Bain and Bain Cap are very well separated, and although you might get a leg up in Bain Cap recruiting, you'd be at a disadvantage at pretty much every other firm vis a vis McK.
Good info. Quick clarification - what if I was more interested in PE from the stand point of being brought in as temp management in portfolio companies than actually working at the PE firm?
Hey guys, if anyone reading this has any insight on post mba MBB exit ops, look for my thread "Lets talk about MBB Exit ops Post MBA" and please share!
what role at McK should we seek for entry to PE?
Don't they have a designated private equity group that does conducts due diligence on behalf of PE clients?
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