On-Cycle as an Incoming MF PE Analyst (trying to move downstream)

Hi all - would really appreciate it anyone here has any info on what on-cycle looks like when coming from one of the MF analyst programs.

I am thrilled about my spot for the next two years, but had some unfortunate changes in family circumstances that drastically altered how I factor geographic location. To avoid giving too much information, the locale I'm targeting has a decent number of PE seats (not a ton) but only one firm where I feel like I wouldn't be trading down (still, this forum would probably think that going there is akin to suicide haha). 

Although I've already told headhunters that I wasn't planning on recruiting for associate positions, I think this will be easy to fix and am looking for info on 1) whether looks will be identical (i.e., are there firms that have explicit preferences for IB over MF PE / consulting candidates, like how most firms don't recruit consultants) and 2) how difficult it is to participate in on-cycle processes outside of your city.

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MF analysts don't typically participate in oncycle. The expectation is you stay at your current firm, so you're not going to find much info on "preferences" because almost no MF PE analysts do oncycle. The ASO promotion is usually automatic, moves start happening around senior ASO.

Personally I would actually avoid doing oncycle, even if you have "the right reasons", with oncycle timing being so early it looks very odd for an analyst who hasn't even started yet (or barely started) at MF PE saying they want to switch firms already.

If your desired location has mostly MM firms, they very likely won't participate in oncycle anyway. I would get 6-12 months under your belt and then check in with HHs.

Array
 

Thanks for the thoughts. Makes sense there is no info from ppl who have done this before - kinda what I was expecting.

I’m going to have to balance the oddity of recruiting from one buy side shop to another so early on against the risk of missing out any opps that are exclusive to on cycle. Unfortunately the shop I’m most interested in does run on-cycle :/

 

dont do it becuase your firm will end up being a client and will look very bad if they find out

 

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