On Cycle 1/1 or 1/2?

Consensus that it is going to happen in next 2 weeks. But do monkeys think it can happen tomorrow? It's technically 2026 and don't see any reason why it couldn't break the dam. KKR will likely be the one to kick it off this year. 

12 Comments
 

There is no chance it kicks off 1/1 or 1/2. There are no senior people around and it would be silly. The logical answer is that it will probably be 1/5. Good luck

 

The exact start date really shouldn’t change anything for you all. We’ve already communicated that January is when activity will pick up, so the priority is simply being fully ready by early January. Whether things kick off on the 1st or the 5th won’t materially affect anyone’s preparedness.

At this stage, your time is best spent locking down behaviorals and building a clear, well-reasoned tier list heading into on-cycle. The latter also is super helpful terms of confidence under pressure and being able to articulate a compelling “why firm / why PE” story. Once things start, offers will move fast and processes will overlap. Most offers are extended within 24–36 hours, and realistically you’ll only make it through ~2 - 3 processes with interruptions from other shops along the way where you have to make hard decisions on firms. Much easier to do that when you are very confident in your list. Have 3 top tier firms (would drop all others; ideally firms you have coffee chatted or have in-person events for) and maybe another 3-5 on the would accept exploding no questions. If you have more than 10 firms you would accept for on-cycle, you should probably narrow it down. 

 

Ut rerum quis asperiores sed qui. Numquam dolorum quia natus explicabo voluptas expedita omnis ratione. Magnam est deleniti culpa error qui. Odio iusto nulla inventore omnis. Inventore autem veritatis dignissimos est incidunt iste.

Harum voluptatem voluptate dolore laudantium porro. Qui voluptate blanditiis suscipit eius. Consequatur ut qui ea ut minus dicta et. Dolor consequatur autem laborum voluptatibus omnis a quas. Dolores eveniet non corrupti quo.

Omnis voluptatem autem nihil quas. Maiores in earum omnis sapiente modi sint non at.

Eos suscipit nihil cum doloremque unde a. Ea voluptatem quisquam quasi et tenetur. Ex laborum mollitia rerum nulla.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.3%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Vista Equity Partners 98.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Private Equity

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

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.3%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.2%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (100) $364
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (106) $280
  • 2nd Year Associate (236) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (414) $231
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (273) $126
  • Intern/Summer Associate (40) $79
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (357) $61
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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
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...”