fortune 100 corp strategy group or boutique merchant bank for PE?

I'm currently debating two offers, one from a corporate strategy group within a F100 company and from a boutique consultancy/merchant bank firm (I'm an experienced hire, post-college 2-3 years). I know it's a longshot from either place, but I'm hoping to transition into a PE firm after 2-3 years. Or perhaps go to MBA, and figure out a post-MBA PE option.

The corporate strategy has high visibility within the overall organization, and consultants within the group are expected to transition into other areas of the company after 2 years. From what I can gather, those that wish to head to MBA end up at top 10 schools. The work/life balance seems much better here, 45 hrs/wk.

The position at the boutique firm would give me a chance to not only work in a strategic consultancy but also get into alternative investment in the future (firm is building a fund for primary direct investment). The firm focuses on small to mid-market. Standard working hours are 60 hrs/wk.

The salaries are very similar. I'm thinking at the second place, especially with primary direct investment experience, I would get a shot at PE firms a few years down the road, though I'm not too sure how PE firms view associates with 4-5 post-college experience. I've heard some feedback that the F100 corporate strategy group would have better PE options, but i'm not so sure since I don't think i would get any deal exposure here.

Given the second offer is a bit more unique, would this look more favorably to MBA schools?

Any other thoughts here would be very helpful - thanks!

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Private Equity

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

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 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

March 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

March 2024 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (21) $586
  • Vice President (92) $362
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (89) $280
  • 2nd Year Associate (204) $268
  • 1st Year Associate (386) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (28) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (83) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (246) $122
  • Intern/Summer Associate (32) $82
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (313) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
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...”