Internship Query (Urgent!)

Currently interning at a small PERE shop doing development / acquisitions for emerging/frontier markets for over 2.5 months. Given 2 choices at the moment:

1. Extend current internship

2. Accept an offer by top 20 PERE firm for Asset Management Role focused in gateway market. Trade-off is that the team size is lean consisting 1-2 people.

which would be better to increase hiring chances in the future for large PERE investment firms?

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some considerations for your decision:

Extending Current Internship:

  • Experience in Emerging/Frontier Markets: This can be unique and valuable, especially if you gain diverse experience across different asset classes and markets.
  • Development/Acquisitions Role: Hands-on experience in these areas can be highly beneficial and transferable to other roles in the future.
  • Duration: Extending your internship can show commitment and allow you to take on more significant responsibilities.

Accepting Offer from Top 20 PERE Firm:

  • Reputation: Working at a top 20 PERE firm can be a strong addition to your resume and can open doors due to the firm's brand recognition.
  • Asset Management Role: While different from development/acquisitions, asset management experience is crucial and can provide a well-rounded skill set.
  • Gateway Market Focus: Experience in major markets can be highly attractive to future employers.
  • Lean Team: Working in a small team can offer more exposure and responsibility, potentially accelerating your learning and growth.

Key Considerations:

  • Long-term Goals: Consider which role aligns better with your long-term career aspirations in PERE.
  • Skill Development: Think about which position will provide the skills and experiences that are most valued by large PERE investment firms.
  • Networking Opportunities: A top 20 firm might offer better networking opportunities, which can be crucial for future job searches.

Conclusion:

If your goal is to increase hiring chances in the future for large PERE investment firms, accepting the offer from the top 20 PERE firm might be the better option due to the firm's reputation, the experience in a gateway market, and the potential for significant responsibility in a lean team.

However, if you value the unique experience and the potential for a more diverse skill set in your current role, extending your internship could also be beneficial.

Ultimately, weigh the pros and cons based on your career goals and the specific opportunities each role offers.

Sources: Opportunity @ PERE Top 50 Firm, Ranking of PERE 50 firms for Acquisitions Analyst out of UG?, The future of Hong Kong high finance, Career Prospects Advice! Where do I stand., Doing a second pre-mba Associate stint at a larger PE firm

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