A Real Disscusion about Promotion in PE

I'll be heading to a decent MM fund (think H&F, GTCR, Audax, Ares and etc.) and have done some research / networking to find more insights about this space. One question that I still can't figure out after almost a year is how do you get promoted to VP in PE?

Statistically, 70% and more (based on my findings and open to discussion) associates leave after 2 or 3 years and many go to B-school. How many of 1st PE associates eventually make VP and what qualifications do they must have?

22 Comments
 

Based on my outreach to former associates, seems like what platform you get on when you join plays a big factor in deals you'll close & promotion. An associate who left after 2 years doesn't necessarily have less passion, knowledge about finance or is worse at "investment" than a promoted VP in the same class.

 

There's a real possibility that I'll be working for none of the above funds because how small associate class is, hence the "and etc".

But appreciate you sharing the way how you think.

 

Starting at a MF this summer but thanks for the concern - let me know if you need help lateralling. 

 
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H&F, an extremely well-established firm that's currently in the market for a $20B fund (and known for making concentrated bets i.e., they do large deals), would not qualify as a MM fund.

While it is true that most associates leave after 2-3 years and many go to business school, that trend has started to change a bit. Fewer PE people need to go to business school now because many megafunds and UMM funds are promoting internally (e.g., Apollo, KKR, Warburg, Silver Lake, Francisco, Centerbridge, American Securities, etc.). If you're asking for what percentage of 1st year PE associates end up as VPs at the same fund, I'd guess ~5-20% for the larger funds. Most people won't be given offers, some people may want to move upstream/downstream (and/or to a different city), some will want to shift industries (HF, corp dev, start-up, corporate, etc). 

In order to get a chance to make VP, you need:

  • To have been a great associate (goes without saying)
  • To show some ability to take the "next step" (i.e., show that you can evaluate deals from a more strategic lens, exhibit the ability to manage people below (and above) you effectively, source deals, etc.)
  • To build rapport with senior and influential members of the team (i.e., good political standing)
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