MF to MF Lateral

Recently was offered a SA at an MF and I was wondering what the possibility and process would look like to lateral into another MF later down the line. I am curious because I am unsure whether I want to focus on a specific sector within PE when my interests are in another industry. The alternative MF clearly has the better platform for the industry I am interested in longer-term. 

Any insight into the process would be greatly appreciated (e.g., whether to lateral after 1 or 2 years) 

22 Comments
 

I can’t speak to these specific firms. However, when a firm hires a head hunter to recruit for it (particularly the big-time shops), those contracts stipulate that that head hunter is not allowed to poach from said firm. So, if BX’s head hunter also works for Vista, that head hunter isn’t going to engage with BX employees on a Vista opportunity (and vice versa).

It’s also important to remember that some MFs use different head hunters for different teams/divisions, meaning there’s a partial street-sweep of head hunters. This will limit your ability to leave, at least around the margin.

 

Consequatur illo sequi est eius possimus et. Sit et reprehenderit maiores dolores impedit corrupti ut. Eum ut numquam deserunt inventore corporis nesciunt in.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.3%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Bain Capital 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.3%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Ardian 98.5%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.3%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (98) $365
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (235) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (272) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (38) $81
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (355) $62
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

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...”