IB vs. PE out of Undergrad

Hey guys,

Was thinking about the pros/cons of hypothetically taking an IB role at a big bank vs taking a PE role at a MM firm. For most, the objective is to get to the buy-side after having a couple years (2-3) of experience on the sell-side. However, what if you were offered a buy-side role straight out of undergrad?

Sure the work environment may be better and you may have more responsibility, but wouldn't you be taking a large pay cut by pursuing the PE role...? Especially being just a couple months out of undergraduate school. A first year analyst on average at a BB would make a total comp of lets say $130k (85k salary + 45k bonus), vs. a first-year analyst at a MM PE firm of about $95k (80k salary + 15k bonus). However, most people in corporate finance would advise you to take the buy-side role. Just wondering about the logistics of this and if it makes sense especially for someone coming straight out of undergrad. I understand I may be missing information but if someone could fill me in on this - that would be awesome.

 

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