Hi Everyone,
I'm a first year analyst at a BB (JPM, BAML, Citi) in a dedicated M&A group and I am trying to decide whether or not to pursue private equity. However, I have heard that school brand really matters in that process.
I am attempting to determine if it is worth it for me to pursue that avenue coming from a state school background (UMich, PSU, Ohio State). Will my resume be tossed aside by headhunters from the start?
Thanks for your wisdom!
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There is no harm in going through the process. Broadly speaking you will not be disadvantaged materially for going to a 'non-target' school, but some funds or headhunters may not look at you as seriously as a candidate
When i recruited (last year) I saw a number of kids from 'non-target' backgrounds making it to final rounds at very pedigreed funds. Would say some funds and headhunters care more about school name than others - you can probably quickly see who cares and who doesnt when they start reaching out (prob mid-late September this year). Would also try and leverage whatever network you have from your school / find out who is on the investing side, as frequently there can be very passionate alums who you might not be aware of
Thanks for sharing this advice. Appreciate it!
once you get the interview it doesn't matter. while the average kid at an ivy is probably smarter, if you are a top student from a non-target there is nothing separating you
Umich Ross is a top target and not just any olé state school.
UM>Penn st> Ohio State in this case
Lol someone who went to umich would never bucket themselves against the other state schools in the Big Ten.
I went to a private school but i wouldn't bucket UVA, UMich, and Berkeley along with the other state schools. These are top programs / top targets
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