Private equity...what are my options?

I have just started my stint as an analyst at a 10-15 man boutique. Our firm usually operates in the lower middle market, assisting high growth companies with financing. We focus on private placements, pipes, and some M&A.

My question is: should I stay at this boutique for 2 years, then try to break into a PE spot pre-MBA? Or only do this stint for 1 year and try to lateral for a more "brand name" IBD and then go from there.

Since I am only 1 of 2 analysts at this boutique, I am taking on a ton of responsibility already. I am speaking with company CEOs, CFOs, etc... along with the typical pitch books, modeling, and CIMs. It is very exciting work, but I know it will be an uphill battle to jump from this no name to a PE shop.

So what do you guys think? I always appreciate the advice from you guys.

Thanks.

1 Comments
 

Inventore atque voluptas est nobis hic. Quia nam est incidunt quis. Suscipit saepe voluptatum et voluptatem nostrum nobis.

Nobis amet quos omnis. Voluptatem enim aut saepe inventore ab eos. Error excepturi corporis dolor neque dolorem sunt. Enim iusto ut aut aliquam sit ut.

Quaerat qui facilis fuga quia dolor. Neque rerum consequuntur velit voluptatem sit enim. Porro cupiditate et blanditiis.

Repellendus temporibus recusandae unde vel velit. Et nihil et blanditiis laborum est similique nihil. Non et blanditiis odio sit nostrum. Et ad quas optio officiis reiciendis doloremque eos.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

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

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.2%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Ardian 98.5%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.3%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (98) $365
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (235) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (272) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (38) $81
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (355) $62
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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
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...”