Where do PE associates go if they don’t want to stay?

I am wondering what types of roles people typically go to from a 1-2 year stint as a PE associate? The hours and lifestyle are brutal enough that I have to imagine a lot move on to other more chill jobs, but what are those jobs? And more importantly, how do PE associates hear about them and recruit for them?

Specifically, I feel like a remote, maybe tech role that’s 9-5 or so could be really nice following some of the burnout-inducing hours, and some seem to even pay pretty decently. Is that something that associates commonly pivot to?

7 Comments
 

A handful from MF/UMM exit to hedge funds. Many do their MBA in order to come back for promotion or join another similar or larger sized funds. These are more "traditional" exits for a lot of the PE assos. More recently, I've seen a lot join growth equity shops or funds within their existing platform. Exits are much more varied at MM/LMM level to corp dev, start-ups, etc.

Array
 

Going to be hard to get looks for PM roles - you will be viewed as a deal guy given the IB/PE background.  Biz ops is doable and corp dev even more so.  Recruiting is typically via job boards and networking, very few opps are via HHs.  Comp will vary widely depending on size/maturity/title.  As a data point, was interviewing for a Senior Mgr of Corp Dev and Strategy at a PE-backed company and all in comp was ~$200K. 

 

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