HBS/Wharton MBA -> IB -> PE possible?
In a few months I'll be starting at HBS/Wharton looking to move into Investment Banking (ideally TMT given my pre-MBA work experience in Technology).
I know how extremely hard it is to go into PE following an MBA even if you have pre-MBA IB/PE experience. How much of an uphill battle am I facing if I work in IB for 1-2 years after school, and then try to leverage my MBA network to break into PE?
Those from my MBA class who seemed to be most succesful at making the transition were generally VERY flexible on the PE gig they took. Essentially they were willing to make compromises (could even go so far as to call them sacrifices). For instance:
Location- They were willing to go to firms in tier 2 or tier 3 cities (e.g. Philadelphia, Baltimore, Kansas City, etc.). This was after after doing IB work at places like GS/MS. Some were even willing to go abroad.
Firm - Chances are you'll land at a smaller firm in MM or LMM. You may even have to take a position at a newly found firm where the risk is high they don't do well on their first fund and they won't be paying much either.
One last note. These choices may seem like ones you'd being willing to make, but keep in mind what happens at this stage in your life. After MBA and IB, you'll likely be in your early to mid 30s. A fair chance your life circumstances have changed so you have to ask yourself questions like: Does my spouse want to move to a tier 2 city and start a new career there or you may have a new baby and are you willing to risk lower pay and less certain career trajectory?