Recruiting Advice / Reality Check

Just finished my first year as an IB analyst at a top BB (JPM / GS / MS) in a more niche industry coverage group (think Industrials / Energy).

I'm looking to break into tech at a PE megafund or Growth Equity firm, but was underprepared for on-cycle (could have burned a few bridges at the megafunds) and have not been landing interviews off-cycle (expressed interest to the headhunters in a few growth funds).

I've recently caught up over the phone with most of the top headhunters, but I'm not sure if my recruiting stalemate is due to them not passing my resume, or if I'm in too specialized of an industry. I've also been on multiple M&A transactions but most shuttered after COVID and only two are still active, so have not yet closed a deal despite entering my second year.

So my question is - what are my chances? Are there still spots remaining at the megafunds for 2021 or is that door closed? Does networking / cold emailing make a difference at this stage? Should I consider different locations since NY is too competitive? Should I give up and just go get my MBA (half joking...)? What would you advise?

2 Comments
 

Praesentium delectus placeat nam. Enim omnis quas architecto culpa et. Aut vel corrupti molestias deserunt consequuntur quibusdam. Illum reiciendis nam id sed. Unde dolores sapiente rerum hic vero quae impedit.

Soluta reprehenderit amet debitis a. Sit ab et numquam natus animi officiis. Facilis voluptatem et sint magnam eum omnis voluptate.

Omnis id est autem omnis rem. Minus quis sit aut minima enim. Incidunt sapiente et molestiae non.

Consequuntur qui et placeat in. Neque eum molestiae harum quos dolorem deleniti porro. Aut culpa repellendus consectetur amet rem perferendis consequatur velit. Occaecati laborum officia dolores et et vitae. Consequatur harum non et velit qui voluptatem ullam. Officia atque minima accusamus omnis corrupti quasi quae et.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Private Equity

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

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Private Equity

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

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 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

July 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (99) $363
  • 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) $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...”