Politics in PE

Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems your experience might be more firm-specific rather than an industry-wide issue. Here are some insights from previous WSO threads:

1. Company-Specific Problem:

   • One user mentioned that such experiences are atypical and not necessarily a function of being in PE. They highlighted that this might be a company-specific problem rather than an industry-wide issue.

2. Competitiveness and Insecurity:

   • Another user pointed out that the backstabbing and competitiveness are often signs of insecurity and incompetence. They suggested that VPs and senior professionals are usually sharp enough to recognize these behaviors and that such actions reflect poorly on the associates involved.

3. Camaraderie in PE:

   • A different perspective noted that in many PE firms, especially larger ones, there is usually a sense of camaraderie among associates, akin to a "we're all in this together" mentality. This user was surprised by the lack of mentorship and the competitive environment you described.

4. Protecting Yourself:

   • It was advised to find 1-2 VP or senior associate level hires who can vouch for you. Good mid-level professionals can often tell if an associate is backstabbing or playing politics, and it reflects poorly on the associate, not positively.

5. Calling Out Unfair Behavior:

   • Another suggestion was to call out unfair behavior directly. If someone takes credit for your work, intervene and assert your contribution. The associates have zero power, contrary to what they might think.

In summary, while your experience is not unheard of, it might be more related to the specific culture of your firm rather than a universal trait of the PE industry. Seeking allies among senior associates or VPs and addressing unfair behavior directly could help mitigate some of these issues.

Sources: Any Others Dealing With Competitiveness Among Associates / Cut Throat Office Culture?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/any-others-dealing-with-competitiveness-among-associates-cut-throat-office?customgpt=1, Why The Grass Isn't Greener: The Private Equity Associate Crisis (PEAC), Let's be honest about PE, Strategy& Ex Employee - Q&A