I’ve heard that most private equity firms expect two years of investment banking experience, but I want to recruit early. Will I be at a disadvantage if I apply after just one year? Any experiences?
It’s true that many private equity firms typically expect candidates to have at least two years of experience in investment banking, mainly because this gives you a solid foundation in financial modeling, deal execution, and client management. However, applying after just one year isn’t an automatic disadvantage. Some firms may still consider you if you’ve had strong deal exposure, performed exceptionally well in your role, and have built a solid network.
That said, recruiting for private equity after one year can be more challenging, as many firms prefer candidates who have had more time to develop the skills and experience needed for the transition. But if you’re eager to recruit early, the key will be to position yourself well—highlighting your achievements, any relevant deal experience, and demonstrating that you’re ready for the added responsibilities of private equity.
It’s also helpful to tap into your network, as sometimes a referral or a connection can make all the difference. If you’re proactive, it’s definitely possible to land a PE role with one year of experience, but you might face more competition compared to those with the standard two years. Just make sure you’re fully prepared to make a strong case for why you’re ready to make the jump!
Harrshit makes a great point. While two years of banking experience is the standard for PE recruiting, one year can be enough if you’ve had solid deal exposure and can effectively demonstrate your readiness. Some firms, particularly those with off-cycle hiring, are more flexible and willing to consider candidates earlier, especially if you’ve worked on meaningful transactions and built strong technical skills.
If you want to recruit after just one year, your positioning becomes even more important. Focus on highlighting your deal experience, modeling skills, and ability to take ownership of tasks. Additionally, networking plays a huge role as many PE opportunities aren’t publicly listed, and having the right connections can help you get a foot in the door earlier than others.
That said, be prepared for tougher competition. Many firms prefer candidates with two full years because they’ve had more time to develop across multiple deal cycles. If you don’t land a role immediately, staying in banking for another year could significantly strengthen your profile and give you access to a broader range of opportunities.
I wish you best of luck!
