Recommendations to turn my 6 month PE stage into a permanent gig? (Mid-thirties)

Hi all, I just landed an internal stage within my firm as an associate principal for our PE arm. I do not have prior IB / Management consulting experience, my experience is a mixture of commercial banking, sub debt (in commercial real estate) and pure sales role, with a CFA in the mix.

Needless to say, this is a golden ticket into PE because I never would've made it otherwise.

No promises were made that this could lead into a permanent position at the end of the stage (obviously). I want to do everything that I can to make it happen. That, or use that momentum to find a role at another PE shop as (most likely) an associate. I've been networking hard with other PE funds, gathering tips and advice and building connections as well.

Other than the obvious "do your job and always go above and beyond", I would love to hear this community's thoughts, comments and feedback

1 Comments
 

Nihil velit exercitationem mollitia officiis iure. Sit unde voluptatem minus doloremque dolorem sit porro delectus. Dicta deleniti voluptatibus est et.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.2%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Bain Capital 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Private Equity

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

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • 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 (97) $363
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (234) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (95) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (271) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (38) $81
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (353) $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...”