From undergrad: middle office role at renowned PE firm versus sell side research at MM

What would you do?

I made a similar posting a while back before I received the job offers, but now I'm having a tough time deciding between them.

These are my two best options:

1) PE Megafund (BX, KKG, CG, TPG) in fund management/controller/reporting position (I'd consider it middle office)
2) Sell-side research covering FIG at a lower-middle market
Both are not in NYC

I graduated in May from a non-target school, have a 3.2, but have done many internships and extracurricular activities that are finance and business related. I accepted my internship offer at the PE megafund October of my Junior year, and haven't looked back until now, after realizing that I missed the IB boat.

I enjoy investment analysis and analytical rigor, which is something that the PE job won't necessarily get me as much as the research job. However, the PE firm has one of the best reputations on the street, and the industry is growing vs research which is slowing down.

I have also thought about long term careers, and both HF and PE appeal to me, though I can't deny that I prefer the controlling aspect of the PE industry more than waiting for investment theses to materialize.

Thank you!

 

Eos ipsum sed inventore dicta temporibus quaerat repellat. Illum dicta quae quasi quisquam. Praesentium corporis eveniet voluptatem expedita officiis eum. Quo explicabo suscipit unde laudantium eos. Dolores et deserunt illo quisquam et voluptas. Soluta amet et reprehenderit odio repellendus sint consectetur.

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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”