Mid-size Private Equity vs. Big4 accounting firm M&A advisory

Hello everyone, I'm in a position to start full-time either in a mid-size private equity or big4 accounting firm M&A advisory. What's your opinion on this if the pay is similar? One thing that I am concerned with in PE is that it might be not as a strong reference when applying for MBA to top tier schools. Please give me some thoughts on this. Thanks a lot.

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Best Response

Generally PE has a better reputation than an accounting firm. Accounting firm M&A is not regarded as highly as investment banking M&A. And lots of people go to investment banking M&A to get to PE...

It depends on the fund you might be joining. Mid size PE can be super awesome on your CV or insignificant - all depends on the firm.

How much money have they raised? How long have they been around for? What will be your role exactly? How are their investments doing? if your PE house is top of the market, take that one over any accountant M&A role.

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Thanks for the reply Nadine-Cathleen. It raised about 2bn globally, and in my country(Asia) about 500mn. My role would be basically a role of a first year analyst, doing valuations and research. It has a pretty good reputation in the market in my country. Actually I've worked here as an intern for like 4 months and recently got an offer, and at the same time got an offer from a accounting firm M&A.

 

Thanks for the reply Nadine-Cathleen. It raised about 2bn globally, and in my country(Asia) about 500mn. My role would be basically a role of a first year analyst, doing valuations and research. It has a pretty good reputation in the market in my country. Actually I've worked here as an intern for like 4 months and recently got an offer, and at the same time got an offer from a accounting firm M&A.

 

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