Sentenced to death for direct PE after 2 FoF internships?

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights regarding your situation:

1. Impact of FoF Experience:

   • Having recent experiences at Funds of Funds (FoF) might indeed be perceived as a drawback when applying for direct Private Equity (PE) roles. This is because FoF roles are often seen as less directly involved in the deal-making process compared to direct PE roles.

2. Networking and Perception:

   • Networking is crucial. As you mentioned, someone at a Middle Market (MM) PE firm indicated that your FoF experience might be negatively impacting your CV. This suggests that the perception of your experience is important and can influence hiring decisions.

3. Transitioning to Direct PE:

   • To mitigate this issue, you might want to highlight any direct deal experience or relevant skills you gained during your FoF internships. Emphasize your understanding of the PE landscape, your analytical skills, and any direct involvement in investment decisions.

4. Additional Steps:

   • Consider seeking internships or roles that are more directly aligned with direct PE. Even if they are at smaller firms, the direct experience can be more valuable.
   • Continue to leverage your network to get insights and possibly referrals. Personal connections can sometimes help overcome perceived drawbacks in your CV.

5. General Advice:

   • It's not uncommon for candidates to face challenges when transitioning between different types of roles within the finance industry. Persistence and strategic positioning of your experience can help you overcome these hurdles.

If you need more specific advice or have further questions, feel free to ask!

Sources: Anyone have info on Insight Partners?, Is anyone else struggling to comprehend the fucked up state IB has brought you to?, Has anyone been staffed on a deal they had moral objections to?, Anyone have insights on the litigation consulting industry?