I have an MBA and am now a seasoned associate. I've always heard that it is "too late" to get into PE at this stage, but is this really true?
Is it too late because the comp is less dramatically different (assuming no carry)? Or is it too late because I would be the oldest PE associate and competing against non-MBA analysts and analyst promotes?
Just trying to gauge my future. Thanks.
| +89 | Nothing to do at work & bored to hell | 9 | 14h |
| +67 | Do people over-index on 'moats' | 22 | 6h |
| +52 | Predicted Net Worth in Trodden Finance Path by 60? | 20 | 14h |
| +44 | Biggest (avoidable) failures in PE Investments? | 25 | 8h |
| +38 | Why is ROIC never really a topic when looking at companies IRL | 11 | 4d |
| +22 | What do you think of PE Value Creation Careers in 2026? | 5 | 2h |
| +19 | Senior IR Lifestyle | 3 | 5d |
| +12 | NY LMM PE Recruiting | 3 | 1d |
| +12 | Honest opinions needed about lateraling | 4 | 2d |
| +12 | How to approach Buyside Recruiting | 3 | 5d |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
It's too late because you'd be competing for other post-MBA professional with PRIOR PE experience. Why would a PE firm hire you if they can higher someone younger with several years of PE transaction experience?
It's not impossible, but it is better to make the move sooner rather than later. Still, going to be tough, but gotta move now.
Agree with ledger. The odds are stacked against you, and it will only get more difficult to move the longer you wait. Get started now, and be sure to cast a wide net.
On the same topic then, how would one move to PE and became an Associate after an MBA?
Hope you prove us wrong but I agree with above posts.
There is always exceptions... I regularly see people that have made the move on these forums.
I'm graduating from business school in June and accepted a job as a PE associate (with accelerated promotion track). Feel free to PM me.
Maxime possimus tenetur sequi perspiciatis exercitationem quia. Iusto voluptatum quaerat provident quidem non.
Excepturi ut sint quis sed. Ut sequi dicta architecto magnam.
Repellendus quia magnam ut deleniti dolore atque corporis. Distinctio similique nisi ullam sint. Consectetur et fuga cupiditate culpa fugit velit odio. Recusandae sed reiciendis itaque quaerat veritatis tempore reiciendis.
Quaerat voluptas eligendi eos quas ea ut cumque. Vel voluptatem nam dolorem exercitationem.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...