Networking with PE firms?

Should I be reaching out to people at private equity firms to network with them before PE recruiting starts? These would be people I hadn't networked with before, but would have a connection to them (alum, fraternity, etc.) I've had a few calls with headhunters but I'm concerned that it won't be enough. (Incoming analyst)

On this topic – how am I supposed to know what the different private equity firms are like? It seems like everyone on WSO has heard good and bad things about each PE firm.

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