Straight to MM PE shop ... Did I make a good decision?

Hi all,

Over the past year plus, I prepared for investment banking recruiting, hoping to land a summer analyst internship for next summer. Long story short, I didn't end up placing in IB but had significant experience in private equity and decided to pursue an intern analyst position at a middle-market PE shop for next summer. I subsequently got an offer.

The PE firm has two offices: one local and one in NYC. They are relatively small but I really enjoyed the people I interviewed/ interacted with and feel like I am a good fit. I also think my work-life balance will be significantly better than if I were in IB.

My question: 

What are your thoughts on my trajectory moving forward if I begin my career with this shop? Supposing I work 3-5 years at this firm, will I have decent exit opps (not expecting a megafund)?

I think it's interesting that most people go into IB to eventually land something in MM PE... in my case, I am foregoing IB and going straight to PE. Although I may not experience some of the technical grind that IB analysts get, it seems like I should be able to work my way up and have a great career regardless. 

Any perspectives on the pros and cons of this decision would be appreciated.

3 Comments
 

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