PE to a PE improvement/consulting role?

I'm a current first year associate in PE looking to get out. I hated the hours of banking and thought PE would be better, but it hasn't been so far.

What are your thoughts on PE improvement groups, such as A&M, Accordion, BRG, FTI, the Big Four, etc.? I'm currently going through the process at a few and am having a tough time getting a read on the hours expectations at these places. Seems like many of these groups are full of former bankers or PE guys, so am worried I'll just get involved in another 70+ hour role. I don't even care about the pay cut....I just want to work 50-60 hours.

2 Comments
 

Reprehenderit suscipit minima sed ut voluptatem id sed error. Est laudantium eveniet est eos. Velit ipsum eaque est qui quis blanditiis omnis. Et assumenda commodi quae velit ab.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.3%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Vista Equity Partners 98.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Private Equity

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

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.3%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.2%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (100) $364
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (106) $280
  • 2nd Year Associate (236) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (414) $231
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (274) $126
  • Intern/Summer Associate (40) $79
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (357) $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

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...”