Niche Industry Group at a BB to Generalist PE?

Hey everyone,

I'm currently an analyst in a fairly niche industry group (think real estate, energy, FIG etc.) at a well-regarded BB and I'm interested in generalist PE opportunities. Is there a way to best position myself for this so that I'm not pigeonholed into my industry group? Does anyone have any experience with this or know someone that did this?

Thanks for any help

4 Comments
 

a little tougher than a more mainstream industry group --> PE, but it definitely happens.

Especially if by 'well-regarded BB' you mean GS/MS/JPM, you have a good shot. If you go through the bio's of PE associates for big funds (~top 50), you will see backgrounds like JPM FIG, GS Energy, etc. Substantially less BAML FIG / CS Energy (mid-tier BB niche industries), but those guys pop up every now and then.

Haven't seen too many real estate guys get to non-RE PE to be honest, but I would imagine its possible.

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nontargetPSD92

Haven't seen too many real estate guys get to non-RE PE to be honest, but I would imagine its possible.

I actually know one guy who went from Lazard RE to Permira.

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Best Response

I would say it depends. Personally, I've seen GS/MS FIG guys go to generalist PE shops doing anything from Consumer & Retail, TMT, Industrials. I've also seen Citi/CS/DB/Barcap FIG guy go into a HF covering Energy (weird right?)

Broadly speaking, I think you do get pigeonholed. But not if you're at GS/MS or remain VERY proactive about how you approach the situation. Good luck!

 

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