PE Operations to MBA? Currently No PE/IB Background

I have an offer to join a MM private equity firm on their operations team doing reporting and analysis of the portfolio companies. The role slowly grows into more of a consulting-type role out at the portfolio companies providing various financial services. What is the value of this type of role when it comes to MBA applications? I don't have much interest in traveling long term, which is what this role would be after 1.5-2 years, but I think it would look better than my current F500 corporate finance role (that I'm looking to leave) on an MBA app. I'm looking to go to a top 20-25 MBA program in 2019 or 2020. Assume 680-720 GMAT, PennSt/Wisconsin/Illinois/Indiana undergrad with 3-3.4 GPA.

FWIW, I'm honestly shocked that this opportunity presented itself; I have no IB/PE connections currently, nor do I consult for a large firm. The role would (likely) provide a wider skillet and get me into a more prestigious industry, however, the pay and brutal commute (on top of long hours) isn't really inline with what I'm looking for. If anyone has any thoughts on these types of operational roles at PE firms, what the typical exit opps are and how they might compare, prestige and skill wise, to a high-level finance role at an F500, and how this role viewed by MBA adcoms, that'd be much appreciated.

5 Comments
 
Best Response

From an admissions perspective it seems like this job has much more opportunity to move out of a narrower and somewhat technical role to a broader business advisory/management role and into a very prestigious industry. It looks like a great opportunity.

I can't weigh the commute or the travel or the lifestyle issues. That's your call and they are definitely things you must consider. Perhaps the commute could be shortened by moving closer to the job.

However, looking at it exclusively from an admissions perspective, I'd say go for it.

Linda Abraham President, Accepted | Contact Me | Admissions Consulting
 

definitely take it. I have an interview for a very similar role coming up. will be more opportunities to work on unique projects and drive change > leadership skills for MBA app.

 

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