Hey everyone, I’ve seen a lot of discussions about exit opportunities from investment banking, and private equity seems to be a top choice.
I know a lot of bankers transition into PE, but I’m curious how that process works.
What types of roles do ex-bankers typically land in PE firms? Which types of firms (mega-funds vs. middle market) are more open to hiring them? And how long does it usually take to make the move?
Hey!
Yeah, moving from IB to PE is a pretty common path. Most ex-bankers in PE end up in associate roles to start with, where they’re doing a lot of financial modeling, deal evaluation, and due diligence – basically building on the skills they honed in banking but with more of an investment mindset.
As for the types of firms, it depends on your experience and what you’re looking for. Mega-funds (like Blackstone, KKR, etc.) tend to hire a lot of ex-bankers, but they’re super competitive and often look for people from top-tier banks with strong deal experience. Middle-market firms can be a bit more flexible in terms of background and sometimes offer a better work-life balance and more hands-on experience.
Timing-wise, the typical jump is after 2–3 years as an analyst in IB, but some people move after a year or stay longer to make the jump at the associate level. It really depends on the opportunities that come up and your network.
Hope that helps! Happy to answer more if you’ve got other questions.
Best,
Simon
