What's the deal with PE recruiting

So I'm an incoming IB (M&A) analyst at a boutique, and I have not interned in banking before. I also didn't study econ so I don't have too much exposure to older peers yet. If I want to do PE after my two years in banking, how does that work? When/how does recruiting happen? What do I need to do for it? I know these may be baby questions for this forum, but please explain like I'm 5. Would be much appreciated, thanks!

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