I asked the question below in the PE forum, posting here for higher visibility / volume of perspective.
Hi all,
I have a unique opportunity / dilemma after a roller coaster of a career.
Summary - I have an offer at an Elite Boutique (Evercore, Moelis, PJT) for a lateral analyst role but will be coming in as a first year analyst. It's an amazing opportunity. However, for reasons I'll explain below, I am much older than the typical first year and it is my 3rd job out of undergrad in 4 years. Am I automatically disqualified from PE recruiting given my atypical profile? If I do end up at a MM PE shop, should I count out B-school (H/S/W), as I will be 31 at the end of 2 years of banking+ 2 years of PE?
Background - At the end of last year, I was at a venture capital fund that ended up shutting down. Within 2 months I was able to find a sub-Associate sourcing role at a well known Growth Equity shop (TA/GA/TCV). This role has been a miserable experience as it is 100% sourcing and admin work with modeling exposure and no opportunity for promotion (but I am grateful as it helped my pay my bills). However, I really enjoy the work that Associates do and would love to find myself at a TMT buyout shop that does no sourcing. I know that these shops are super selective and tend to have profiles of their most sought after associate candidates that I will not fit. I would be around the age of most VPs (29) coming in as a 1st year Associate. Further, I will be recruiting from my third job in as many years which would likely be off putting to both PE firms and business schools should my PE aspirations not pan out.
Is it a fools errand to take yet another step back in my career for a PE pipe dream that I may already be disqualified for?
Thanks for the help.
Bump
Bump
Im assuming you will be "reset" in terms of recruiting if you are coming in as a first year analyst at the IB. I would say its worth it if you dont like your current job and you are having trouble moving to a PE fund in a role you desire.
I was in a similar situation and decided to take the job. Im older than most but who really cares, its only a few years. In the scheme of a 40 year career you havent even started your career yet anyway.
godspeed![]()
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How did you end up getting an analyst role, if you don't mind sharing? I'm in a bit of a similar situation, in the sense that I want to lateral into banking, but come from a equity/credit sell side research role.
Did you just simply apply or had to network extensively to land interviews, etc.?
Yup. Looked for positions and emailed folks in the groups with open positions. After a call or coffee they would refer me into the recruiting process.
No you're not ever disqualified from anything ever. PE, Bschool, Prez of USA, male model - anything is possible with the right dose of work and humility. Don't listen to the sticks in the mud here unless you want anxiety.
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