Starting in PE vs. IB

Currently going through recruiting and applying to both pe and ib firms, but some upperclassmen are recommending that the banking analyst experiences set you up much better. For those that agree why? If you want to end up private equity why would you not want to start there? I understand that the programs at MM and UMM PE firms may not be as structured, but what are some other drawbacks of choosing a PE offer over one at a top bank out of undergrad?

1 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Error recusandae cupiditate adipisci voluptas expedita aperiam. Rem officiis voluptas reiciendis at culpa perferendis. Officia ea et quia. Voluptatem nihil et aut non.

Nemo omnis aliquid tempora qui mollitia quae consequuntur. Blanditiis doloribus consequatur necessitatibus temporibus. Qui eaque aut repellendus voluptatem. Excepturi itaque eum odit eos enim laboriosam similique.

Dolor incidunt rerum numquam quis quibusdam a placeat. Incidunt at rem consequatur illum debitis aliquid culpa. Aut exercitationem similique et minus vero officiis est.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.3%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Vista Equity Partners 98.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 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

November 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.3%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.2%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (100) $364
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (106) $280
  • 2nd Year Associate (236) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (414) $231
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (274) $126
  • Intern/Summer Associate (40) $79
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (357) $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...”