What does "Partner Track" in PE actually mean?

What does "Partner Track" mean specifically in PE? For example does it mean you get a guaranteed partner spot in the future (assuming you don't fuck up) after you're on the so called "Partner Track"? If the answer is yes, when do people usually get on this track (VP/D/MD)? Thanks!

 

No, it means if you don't fuck up and do a good job consistently they intend to eventually promote you to Partner ASSUMING you meet all of the relevant requirements when that time comes. It's basically them saying you have a shot at the top, there are no guarantees. We hired an analyst at my firm earlier this year for a "partner track" role and he kept fucking up so we fired him. 

"The obedient always think of themselves as virtuous rather than cowardly" - Robert A. Wilson | "If you don't have any enemies in life you have never stood up for anything" - Winston Churchill | "It's a testament to the sheer belligerence of the profession that people would rather argue about the 'risk-adjusted returns' of using inferior tooth cleaning methods." - kellycriterion
 

Are analysts explicitly told whether they’re “on partner track”? I always thought partner track was for VP/Principals—or do you just mean they won’t be automatically booted after 2 years?

 

Private equity firms are historically known for kicking associates out after 2-3 years to get an MBA. "Partner Track" means the opportunity to stay on board for future promotions, but, as the poster above mentioned, nothing is guaranteed. VP is typically the level where Partner Track starts, as that is typically a post-MBA hire title.

So - if there's an associate role highlighted as Partner Track, it just means there may be an opportunity to rise through without an MBA. The term is just a marketing gimmick for VP level hires or above, as it should already be implied.

 
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