Should I trade up banks to recruit for PE?

Just finished my sophomore internship in a mid tier coverage group at BAML/Barclays. I have a junior offer from MS/GS, and I'm wondering if the benefit is great enough in PE recruiting that I should trade up?

I really liked my team at BAML/Barclays, and would prefer to go back if I still have an equal chance at recruiting for UMM+ PE firms. Will headhunters see that I was a sophomore intern and thus give me a "pass" in having a less prestigious bank?

9 Comments
 

PE recruiting depends on a variety of factors such as your school, your GPA, your Group and Bank, etc.

If you plan on recruiting off-cycle then staying at a group you like can be helpful because reviews may be more important then.

However, should you be at a non-target school, trading up is more helpful because you'll give HH's a reason to cling onto you.

There is no right or wrong answer per say because if your group at BAML/Barclays loves you and they will be more supportive of you and you'll have a great time.

However, especially at this stage in your career, the junior offer at MS/GS will open more doors for you and I'd recommend going there. Just remember that if you were 5 6 years out in your career, personal preference > brand. But for the time being, MS/GS will serve you well.

 

No I am unfortunately I wish I was. But what makes you think I am a student?

 

Dolorem corrupti qui sapiente ullam sequi praesentium blanditiis. Molestiae temporibus assumenda delectus et animi voluptatem. Voluptas sed rerum et rerum et nihil in saepe.

Modi est totam voluptatem dolorum quia ipsum et. Totam excepturi sit est nisi quod numquam est. Voluptatem natus aut provident praesentium esse sapiente.

Alias delectus itaque aut corporis tempora et. Dolorem vel minus velit omnis nisi. Est cumque tempore ipsam facilis excepturi itaque.

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) 99.3%
  • 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

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
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”