I have 3 years of PE buyout experience at a MM fund and one year of Corp Dev experience at a large tech firm (current role). How are my chances for recruiting to get back into PE post MBA if I go to Wharton or Columbia this fall? I am deciding between the two. Also interested if Wharton helps more. Thanks for your help!
Trending Content - Private Equity Forum
Career Resources
Based on the most helpful WSO content, your chances of getting back into PE post-MBA are solid, especially with your prior PE buyout experience at a middle-market fund and current corporate development role. Both Wharton and Columbia are strong choices for PE recruiting, but Wharton generally has a stronger reputation and network for private equity, particularly for buyout-focused funds like Blackstone, KKR, Carlyle, and others.
Here are some key insights:
Wharton vs. Columbia for PE Recruiting:
Factors That Will Impact Your Success:
Wharton’s Edge:
In summary, while both schools can help you re-enter PE, Wharton offers a stronger platform for private equity recruiting, especially for top-tier funds. If PE is your ultimate goal, Wharton would likely provide better opportunities and a more robust network to achieve it.
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/wharton-vs-stanford-gsb-for-private-equity-recruiting?customgpt=1, How are Booth, Kellogg, and Columbia for Post-MBA PE?, Turning down HBS/GSB/Wharton for the Promote-Through
bumpb
What was the context around the move from PE to corp dev? Were you not promoted / pushed out?
I was promoted. Fund was not performing and out of cash and needed to continue gaining deal experience.
Big tech seems like a cushy place to be. Why leave to go back to MM PE, which is a tough space?
Tbh, think you'll have trouble with recruiting from the MBA if you started in PE (v. having 2 years IB / consulting prior) because the leveling will be weird. Most of your classmates with a PE background will have left as 2nd year associate / senior associate and be recruiting back into senior associate / VP roles, whereas you'd be maybe too senior for associate 1 and too junior for senior associate. PE funds, especially in this market, are lazy and will default to cookie cutter backgrounds so it'll just be an uphill battle for you
I should have shared my full background. I have 1.5 years in banking, 3 years in PE and 1 year in Corp Dev. I was a Senior Associate in PE, so hoping to move back into that role post MBA. Do you think I will run into the same issue?
Got it, that situation is definitely better. You'll still face more challenges than peers with "clean" resumes (i.e., 2 years of banking + 2-3 years of PE > MBA), but the leveling will be less of an issue if you're ok with likely doing another year at Senior Associate
Chances aside Wharton is 9/10 better than Columbia for PE recruiting (both traditional/non-traditional backgrounds).
As someone else posted you'll probably find yourself in an awkward role and you'll most likely need to recruit for associate 1 PE roles (which there are a bit more of at the MBA level surprisingly). I'd probably try to lateral as an Asso2 at a PE fund and continue instead of doing an MBA unless you're burnt out and be accepting of the outcome that you might not be able to go back to PE
I’m so confused by the advice above. You’re highly qualified and should fit in nicely for SA/VP opportunities. Your corp dev experience is just bonus.
Have a crisp talk track on your story/path and recognize that post-MBA seats are limited, but you seem like a strong candidate.
Agree Wharton will place better than Columbia. HBS/GSB will get the most looks, but you’re a close second.
I agree with this - if he has good deal experience, I don't understand how he's any less qualified than someone who just did 3 years of PE pre-MBA and didn't do Corp Dev.
My point was if OP had 2 years of analyst PE + 1 year associate PE (or maybe just 3 years as an analyst depending on the fund's promo structure) before going to Corp Dev. (which seemed the like case before OP clarified), they'd be underqualified for the typical post-MBA PE roles that are senior associate / VP. Given OP had 1.5 years of banking before going into PE, it shouldn't be an issue now
Advice above reads like people who have never done anything close to what you’re asking about
Fwiw I’m on a similar path and have been told multiple times the year of operating experience is a positive differentiator. There is no shortage of cookie cutter baking + PE resumes. Leverage your experience doing something different to stand out in recruiting. Funds that are more operationally focused in particular will eat it up.
Thanks! Those are the funds I plan on targeting as well.
Why would you not just stay in corp dev vs go back to PE? Especially at a good firm.
Are you seeing many opportunities at the moment? And do you find its mainly smaller funds that value this experience vs the rigid MFs?
Facilis id natus fugiat molestias dolorem unde reiciendis. Quia provident omnis quia omnis. Porro voluptate culpa modi provident. Tempora autem consequuntur vitae rerum consectetur. Cupiditate illum ad aut ex.
Quasi sint aut asperiores eligendi. Non non harum sint sit error. Aut facere est ratione corporis earum ipsam. Qui vitae quam ipsa possimus doloremque. Sed qui aut totam qui dolores aliquam. Quo dolorem voluptatem at laborum repellendus illum animi.
Voluptatem libero vel veritatis porro voluptate voluptatem. Est cupiditate excepturi ut id dolores aut. Porro numquam qui magnam voluptatem ipsum natus. Consectetur et deleniti et est.
Ipsum quis itaque minima. Quibusdam laudantium nesciunt nam quam consectetur qui. Delectus quos quia suscipit sequi.
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...