PE in London or Paris
Hi all,
I am currently in IB looking to move to tech PE. I’ve been living in London for the last few years (uni + 4-5 yrs work exp) but been offered a process in Paris.
A few questions:
- How is the work culture in Paris vs London when it comes to the buyside ? I know in IB it’s horrible (don’t want old school bosses asking me to wear a tie and speaking at the 3rd person)
- How does the pay compare ?
- Hours / WLB?
- I didn’t go to HEC / ESSEC / ESCP - how much of a pain in the ass is it going to be ?
- Possible to come back to London after a stint in Paris ? How is it viewed ?
All i have heard from friends is that Paris is much more hierarchical with clear effects on the culture - would you be willing to accept that?
Hi, Paris-based here
First question would be: are you French? You mentioned living in London for a while, get ready for a culture shock when working in Paris
- The culture is less hectic than in IB but keep in mind that 95% of people in PE in Paris come from IB in Paris so that can leave some marks
- The pay is good + tons of social/health benefits compared to London. Don't have view on carry/bonus, only talking about fixed here
- Will strongly depend on the fund
- If you went to a good school in the UK, it will be fine but the majority will come from these schools indeed
- No view on your last question sorry
Yep, I’m French.
What do you mean by culture shock, how so?
It’s at one of the biggest funds, think top 5 French investor
thanks a lot ! A couple of other questions if you don’t mind
Culture - is it very hierarchical in your view ? My team in London is relatively flat
Benefits - is it actually much better in France ? The package in LDN is actually quite good with private insurance - you get top care very quickly in private. Is there the same in France ? (Have only been to public hospitals with securite sociale and waiting times were an absolute nightmare)
Are you French? If not don’t bother
Yep I’m French
Currently in processes for UMM PE in London and Paris and comp I’ve been told so far:
- London: £100-110 + 100% bonus + carried for as a Senior Associate for some
- Paris: €90-100 + 70-100% bonus and haven’t heard of carried before VP except for PAI
W.r.t culture, based on current processes + hearsay from friends who moved back to Paris, it’s generally much more hierarchical and cutthroat than in London. Politics are very important if you want to make it to the top and there are way less opportunities than in London if you ever want / have to lateral
Quite a steep pay cut in Paris then!!
Do you know about doing the move from Paris back to London later on? Possible ?
I've never seen people move back from Paris to London (though it's probably not impossible) but interestingly have met quite a few Frenchies who did London -> Paris -> Middle-East
Velit voluptates eligendi sequi delectus deleniti cumque. Fugiat minima aut laudantium perferendis. Vero quia nobis in magnam.
Magnam non nulla voluptas. Praesentium reiciendis cum harum atque molestiae. Magni error praesentium blanditiis temporibus dolore.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...