MM IB vs MM PE analyst

Looking at potential offers now from a MM IB in a very niche/not traditional banking group in NYC as well as a Middle East PE SWF, PE would be one year abroad then one year domestically with current fund size <5bn. Both would likely be 2 and out, so looking at what would afford the best exits. Very tough decision and happy to hear any insights, end goal is to be in a strong buyside seat. 

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Lets be honest - neither of these seats alone will get you a good buyside seat. You're path should be focused on maximizing lateral optionality to then recruit for the buyside later down the road (will most likely have to do 3+ years before moving to your end goal job).

I say go with the MM IB job, learn a ton (even if its niche) and lateral to another banking spot in a year when the market is better. From there you would recruit on cycle to get a good buyside gig. I would not start out my career in MM PE as an analyst given i) probably a haircut in technical experience compared to banking + ii) this kind of solidifies yourself on a buyside trajectory that is not up. Better off not even giving HHs a whiff that you spent time there in any capacity. 

 

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