Breaking into private equity

Question

Hi

I am currently a associate in bcg in the middle east and I am interested in joining a private equity firm in the middle east. Private equity is the most comman exit option for consulatant amd I want to know how I can do so in the middle east as I have heard there is not much activity of PE firms in the middle east.

Also what would compensation would I be looking at a PE firm if i leave as a principal assuming I get the offer from PE.

Answer 1

Hi,

Sharing my experience based on working in BCG's PE practice and having friends in PE as well.

The most typical path to PE (deal team) is through IB, they recruit most of their junior analysts after ~2-3 years in IB
Some PE firms do hire from top MBAs (e.g. H/S/W) but even then the preference is for IB experience prior
It is possible for consultants at MBB to make the switch, but you need to switch relatively quickly e.g. ~3 years in MBB, before you reach Manager level
Once you are at Manager, it becomes very difficult to switch to deal team
If you are thinking of Ops team (i.e. value creation), then the switch is more flexible (you can join junior or more senior), and a Principal role is possible