Partner Track vs Blue Chip Firm

I’m considering a lateral move at Principal level.

i could go to a $800M fund people haven’t heard of where there’s a clear path to MD in 2-3 years

Or join a blue chip $10bn fund where I have no idea how progression could go, but better comp and reputation.

I know it’s a personal choice but…

If you were in my shoes, what would you choose? 

4 Comments
 

More context would help. On economics, how many partners are at each firm? How old is each firm (are founders still at both)? On the personal side of things, how is WLB at each firm? If economics at the partner level are similar between the two (very possible), but you’re working 50 hours at the LMM firm vs 75 at the UMM, that would be an easy choice for me.

 
Most Helpful

800 isn’t even small (is this fund or firm) and assurance of partner track is valuable. I’d have a transparent conversation with UMM on progression. Obviously a lot of variables here I don’t know. But partner is a sweet gig, and perpetual principal perhaps the worst of all worlds (responsibility, sensitivity to reputation getting sunk with a bad deal, having to prove yourself to get that promote in the end). I think the mental toll of that…and to the poster above.i mean I can’t even see how you’d predict hours prior to joining. But I assure you few partners work 75hrs. But then again - they might - it depends on the partner and how much leverage you have about juniors. So maybe try to envision the partner role - (I presume they will tell you an indication of economics) - but more than Econs, do the current VPs and associates that WOULD report to you seem like smart guys you could lean on? Or would you be sweating trying to micro manage them well into your partner years. 

 

Non omnis ut excepturi consequatur fugit cum. Alias tenetur ut quo quidem laboriosam sit. Dignissimos maiores excepturi tenetur pariatur nam cupiditate nihil.

Dolor modi hic aspernatur cumque ut enim velit. Consequatur magnam ut dolores aut. Illo natus quasi sapiente impedit repellendus possimus ducimus exercitationem. Quia repellat laboriosam velit delectus sunt dolorem.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.2%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Bain Capital 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.2%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Ardian 98.5%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (98) $365
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (235) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (272) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (38) $81
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (355) $62
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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”