Hello fellow monkeys,
Thanks to the nuggets of wisdom on this site, I've lined up an operational MM PE role for after my analyst stint that I'm really pumped about. I'll focus on crushing the role, but in the meantime I figure I should start getting educated on what happens next...
I see a few paths:
- Trying to go straight to Sr. Asc. / VP
- Going for my MBA
- Lateraling to another shop
- Jumping to another fund (same sector / different investment strategy)
For people currently in the industry, can you provide some insight into what typically happens next? The traditional college -> analyst -> pre-MBA buyside process and connecting with headhunters seemed to be a straight-forward process, but I honestly have no line of sight on the typical steps that come next. I've done some research, but would appreciate any additional advice and information you guys / ladies can share!
Thanks,
BankingWaffle
When you say "operational" role, does this denote you'll be assigned to working on / with your soon to be fund's current portfolio companies (vs. deal team sourcing / executing new investments) or a middle office support role?
Either way, it's tough to know exactly the professional track one wants to pursue even after two years experience at an investment bank. However, it's always good to try to focus your career towards a defined and goal oriented direction instead of just falling ass backwards into any job that happens to check your personal preference(s) box's at the time.
Take some time to reflect, and be honest with yourself, and set a L/T (7-10 years out) professional goal you want to achieve. It doesn't have to be exactly your "life's calling" and your goal will almost certainly change as time goes by, which isn't a bad thing by the way.
But, what this will do for you, is it will help you shape your path to get there as well as identify projects at your new fund which will be Accretive to your personal business plan and will subsequently flow into improved worked product for your bosses as you and your employers interests are aligned.
A lot of the ?'s you posted above will make more or less sense under this filter and if / when you're looking to making another job change or apply to business school you'll be a much logical and better defined candidate than some guy with a splattered mix bag of jobs and deal experiences.
This isn't probably the cut and dry answer you're looking for, but would encourage you to think a little bit about my advice. At certain point in your career, the only person capable of dolling out advice on your future is yourself. As you accumulate experiences, contacts, form substantiated opinions and gain perspective, your personal brand will be unique to you. No one else will be capable of seeing things from your vantage point nor have your best interests in mind when it comes to big calls. Start to think for yourself.
Appreciate the questions and food for thought.
Operational PE as in I'm an investment associate, do the deal assessment and diligence, but still spend a chunk of time with management on strategic acquisitions, business strategy, possibly some time on lean ops, etc.
I honestly see two routes moving forward--either continue in PE or transition to a long/short equity hedge fund. I realize my goals may change moving forward, but these are the two roles that through internships and networking / shadowing just seem to fit my interests the most.
Just tactically though, does the next stage (moving to VP or lateralling to a different type of fund) just involve headhunters, or is it recommended to go to business school and get recruited as a VP, etc.? Would love to learn the nuances / trade-offs of these decisions. Thanks!
Double post--please delete.
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