MFPE Analyst Lateraling / Recruiting

See title - analyst in MF PE looking to lateral for entirely personal reasons (family matters require me to be elsewhere, nothing regarding the firm or job itself).

I recognize this is a “zeroth world issue” and am very fortunate to have a buyout experience post-grad, but now just at a crossroads on whether leaving is possible (pretty much all analysts across all groups take the associate promotion after 2 years):

1) I am not sure if I can be picky here, but I would strongly prefer to keep an MF brand (and not go “downstream”), at least in this stage of my career — how realistic is this?

2) How does recruiting work? It’s technically lateral recruiting, but I’m still an analyst? Or should I undertake the on/off-cycle opportunities/processes just like my IB friends?

3) Most importantly - am I at an advantage or disadvantage with the MFPE analyst background? :

I am obviously not the standard IB prospect (99% of the other candidates recruiting), so a unique candidate nonetheless.

But does this make me more (or less) attractive to HHs/PE firms since I am IN that role already (working through full PE deal processes, going to IC, working with PortCos, etc.)? That is, (returning to my point #1) - would it make sense to guide/tell HHs I’m only interested in MF looks (don’t think I would leave otherwise), knowing that worst case, I stay at my current firm and continue building PE deal experience, reps, and promotions (vs. my IB friends who struck out and are now IB Associates/stuck in IB without “PE credit” if that makes sense).

Appreciate any advice in general or from those who have been in a similar situation.

8 Comments
 

Thanks.

Do you have an input on the “pickiness” part?

It feels like I will be forced to choose between my family and my career (may be an exaggeration, but I’m young and naive, so cut me some slack lol)

But will I be able to be so direct to HHs in the sense of “only megafunds or I will not be moving”, given I am in said MF seat (for reference, my hometown has a large PE presence, not like I will be requesting MF roles in only Portland or something)?

 

Not exactly sure, since this is from an analyst perspective.

However, I believe for associates, the lateral process from a large/brand name firm to another one is much easier (relative to IB or a smaller firm).

Would love to hear any actual insights here though, also curious

 

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