Anybody have any insights on how PE recruiting for IBD analysts who are international works? I have heard one needs to be selected for the H1-B lottery before transitioning into PE?
Also, if more senior people have insights-- are PE funds generally open to sponsoring green cards?
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Hi - maybe I can help a bit. I didn't go through a formal recruiting process, but the company I work for has applied a couple times for the H1B (didnt get it though) and offered a greencard process as well. I currently pursue a degree that allows me to work and study at the same time, that is also an option.
Shoot me a dm if you want more info.
Hey, can you share with the rest of us as well? Believe there are several of us in a similar situation. Thanks!
I’m curious as well
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Also curious about how on-cycle recruiting works, since most international first year analysts will still be on OPT. Would this be a deal breaker during recruiting, even if we have STEM OPT and have 3 shots for H1B lottery?
exactly, especially most associates programs are 2-year. also wondering if relocation to a fund's different global offices possible?
Also interested
i've been thinking of the same thing!! thanks so much op for this thread!
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As background, I recruited on-cycle in 2018 while on OPT. 2 tracks: - Singaporeans/Canadians/Australians with H1B1/TN/E3 eligibility. It'll be more difficult for you than for US citizens/green card holders, but the important thing is to educate headhunters that there is basically no risk to you starting. Certain places still won't look at you but if you have a solid background, you should get enough interviews to keep busy - Unfortunately for others it's super tough. A few tips/things to think about: (1) apply for H1B your senior year of college, (2) if you don't get it, consider pushing recruiting to your second ro third year to get 2 more shots at H1B, (3) think about London or Toronto.
Thank you so much for the response. Would you mind Pm'ing me? Would be very helpful for me to as some additional questions- thanks a ton.
Do you have experience / know anyone who has gone through recruiting for London from NYC? Would love to hear any thoughts you may have.
thanks for the insight. so basically u cannot get looks if you don't have h1b? but you also mentioned you participated in on-cycle while on opt so I assume you did not get your h1b when u recruited (and still got an offer)?
I was in the former track (H1B1/TN/E3 eligibility) and rolled from OPT to one of those.
There will certainly be success stories for the latter track as well but it's harder because there's a risk that the candidate won't be able to start.
With 2 and out being prevalent among private equity funds, what is your plan after your 2 year stint in pe with regards to a long-term career in pe in the us?
I don't unfortunately. What I do know is it's a completely different cycle (different headhunters, more immediate starts, etc.)
Just gonna throw my two cents in here as an international who got a PE firm to sponsor greencard while on OPT.
H1-B is for sheep...
If you have STEM OPT - it takes 8 months to 1.5 years to process most steps of a greencard application which supplants the need for H1-B and OPT since it provides temporary work authorization along the way. Also avoids risk of being a gulag H1-B worker. The key is to be able to negotiate and have alternative offers for leverage.
In my opinion, betting on the BB and PE route as an international student is like playing a game of russian roulette.
If I could start over, I would go be a software engineer at FANG where they sponsor greencard for 1st year hires without the hassle of negotiation - just standard offer.
BB I-banks are too backward regarding immigration and too bureaucratic to change - so there isn't really much hope for negotiating for greencard sponsorship. Best bet would be to pitch it to MM or LMM PE firm to sponsor greencard early. Or switch over to MM I-bank where you would have more negotating power. In either case you are walking a tight rope with a high probability of failure - so be warned.
Hey man can I DM you for more specific info on PE recruiting as an international student? Appreciate your help!
yeah definitely feel free to DM me
I just finished my first year at a MM/BB and was told on the DL by a HH that I should wait until I had a more solid work authorization option to recruit. She said that no one was actually going to say they weren't giving you an interview because of the visa thing but that some firms just wouldn't look at me until I had something more concrete than OPT. I then recruited successfully after receiving an H1B so obviously that was concrete enough. Have also heard the TN opens doors
Have you heard of people successfuly recruiting on OPT? If one doesnt get the H-1 (20% chance every year) then they basically can't do buyside? Thanks for your insight
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At a top BB, recruited on a STEM OPT without H1b and got offers at MF / UMMs who said I could start in the London office before moving back to the US if I don't get the H1b - it's hard but definitely possible!
Can you name which places told you they would make you start in London?
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