How do I get into PE?
Hey everyone,
Looking for some advice about how to get into PE. Here's my background:
- Undergrad in STEM with 3.5 GPA at big state school (Ohio St/Penn St). For clarity, my parents said it didn't matter where I went to undergrad and that only grad mattered, though now I know their advice is incorrect.
- Attended a PhD program at a top school (Harvard/Caltech/Stanford) for 1 year before dropping out (the PhD wasn't for me).
- Now work in Big 4 Consulting but want to get into PE.
Is it possible or should I just forget it and leave it to the Chads of the world? Thanks
Following up with a bump
It's certainly possible to get into PE, but it depends on a few factors. Generally, the easiest path to PE is Undergrad -> IB (lesser extent MBB) -> PE associate.
Every deviation from that standard pathway makes it harder. If by Big 4 you mean Accenture, Deloitte, etc, then that's a deviation. If you're trying to break in at a post-MBA role, then that's a deviation. And so on.
It also depends on what you mean by "PE." Even if you were at MBB, breaking into BX is going to be hard for you. But if you're okay with lower middle market funds, then I certainly think it's possible. You'll still need to tap into your networks and really really hustle just to get on someone's radar to interview you. I'd encourage you to find funds that have taken people with your background. Maybe leverage whatever discipline your PhD program was as an area of expertise and find a fund that specializes in that (if applicable).
1) ask to be staffed on PE due diligence engagements in your current firm. Leverage the experience to jump to PE (from the client exposure/network etc)
2) if not, head to a consulting shop that has a greater PE clientele. I come from SEA, and over here, LEK has a pretty large PE due d practice, with couple of associates successfully moving over to PE after a couple years in the job
3) if all else fails, get yourself into a top MBA programme and start fresh
Off topic, but how does one go from 3.5 GPA at a mid-level state school to PHD programme at Harvard / Caltech / Stanford?
Thanks so much for the valuable input.
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