Advice on breaking into Private Equity.

Hi, I am a sophomore in college that is prospective on pursuing a career in investment banking, HF, or Private equity. Currently, I am an Economics major that plans to bridge to a 5-year Master's of Finance program. However, I have also considered acquiring banking experience after my undergraduate to then receive an MBA, rather than an MF. My question is which of these two would you consider being stronger for entering Private equity, specifically. 

In addition, what is your opinion on receiving a CFA certificate? Would you consider this to be a valuable asset when seeking an analyst position?

 

Based on what you have outlined try to get an analyst banking gig and the try to recruit for a PE associate role. Then decide if you want to do MBA.

 

 

Haven’t seen a masters in finance in my work experience yet.

Also - don’t think the CFA is a differentiator for banking analyst role coming out of college - especially if you just have level 1.

 
Most Helpful

For private equity, specifically, I would suggest going into investment banking first - even if only as an intern - and then going to PE. MSF programs can help, though in my opinion nothing (short of working in PE) better prepares you for PE than banking. 

Also, I agree with the previous commenter. Decide if you want to get an MBA later, once you've worked at your first job for some time.

Finally, a CFA is not going to differentiate you very much if you are aiming for banking/PE. Hedge funds, on the other hand, might care about it more.

Maximum effort.
 

Delectus voluptatibus ipsum quidem incidunt reprehenderit animi repudiandae. Fuga nulla dicta dignissimos et repudiandae omnis beatae tempore. Eligendi molestiae eos dolorem qui.

Aut labore ex maiores a. Dolorem fuga est maxime voluptatem quas. Numquam consequuntur facere quia.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.5%
  • Blackstone Group 99.0%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.4%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 97.9%
  • Bain Capital 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.5%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.4%
  • Ardian 97.9%
  • Bain Capital 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.5%
  • Bain Capital 99.0%
  • Blackstone Group 98.4%
  • Warburg Pincus 97.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (22) $569
  • Vice President (92) $362
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (91) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (206) $266
  • 1st Year Associate (387) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (29) $154
  • 2nd Year Analyst (83) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (246) $122
  • Intern/Summer Associate (32) $82
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (314) $59
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
numi's picture
numi
98.8
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”