Upstream in PE with MBA?
Currently an AS1 at a LMM shop. Have gotten good deal experience, closing a $30m+ EBITDA platform. I have received positive feedback across the board, but want to do some planning in case I do not receive the senior associate promotion.
What is the possibility of moving upstream in PE with a top 10 MBA (think Duke or UVA)? I come from a non-target background (got traditional IB experience, though), not sure how much that may ding me at larger funds.
Also, is it almost better to get your MBA after an associate stint vs senior associate? I would think that opens up my doors and paints a better picture for funds, but curious what other people’s experiences are.
Very tough no matter where you are. Best odds at H/S, followed by Wharton. Almost impossible but not unprecedented at K/B/C and impossible elsewhere. If the market picks up, you should be able to lateral upmarket given your strong deal experience but a lot of that is out of your control.
Thank you for the response - I appreciate the insight. I come from an extreme non-target, so the odds have been stacked against me before.
In your experience, would it almost be more favorable to pursue an MBA after an associate stint vs a senior associate stint, given the greater amount of opportunities at more junior levels?
Just to be honest it's pretty much impossible outside of HSW. There's a couple exceptions I know from Booth or CBS with URM/female candidates breaking into UMM/MF opportunities, but those are only in situations where the fund was opening a new office in the US. Needless to say the candidates in question were sufficiently qualified, so not a dig at them.
If you're outside HSW I would just skip business school if you want to stay in PE and you're not diversity.
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