PE Informal Recruiting

Hey All,

Had a quick question regarding PE recruiting. For smaller firms (people wise, ie not MFs), is it appropriate to reach out to professionals at the firm that went to the same UG College/University (less looking at associates and more-so Principals/Partner level)? If these firms work with a specific headhunter, would this be of any advantage/is there a way to circumvent the headhunter process? Thanks in advance for all of the help. Also curious- if reaching out to alums is appropriate, when would be the best time for one to do this?

6 Comments
 

Completely normal to do so and I would argue that if you aren't doing this you are at a disadvantage.

Think about the reverse pyramid, only so many students gain IB analyst roles and then only so many IB analysts gain PE spots, you need to try and do whatever you can to find a common thread with a firm and its employees or distinguish yourself (in a good way)

 

Your time right now is best spent getting into the best group you possibly can. If you're thinking of reaching out to alumni, clearly you can shoot for a better group. BX, GS, and MS are all still recruiting. Try to move to one of those places, and you won't have to worry about networking anymore.

 
Best Response

Aut dignissimos minima beatae quis rerum voluptas. Fuga sint et omnis et consequatur. Dolores non aut est optio provident a illum eos. Vel sint ullam cum et. Totam ad quaerat dignissimos distinctio doloremque consequuntur.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Private Equity

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

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 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

July 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.3%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (99) $363
  • 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 (356) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
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...”