Hi,
after months of interviewing, I've been fortunate to receive offers from two firms: a boutique investment bank with a strong focus on deals and a larger financial services company with rotational opportunities. My long-term goal is to break into private equity, but I’m unsure which path would better set me up for that transition. Should I prioritize deal exposure at the boutique or opt for the broader experience at the larger firm?
Happy to hear your suggestions!
Hi Anna,
First off, congrats on landing both offers – that’s a great position to be in!
If your long-term goal is to break into Private Equity, the key things PE firms typically look for are strong transaction experience and solid financial analysis skills.
The boutique investment bank sounds promising if you’re aiming for direct deal exposure. Smaller banks often allow you to get more hands-on experience – from financial modeling to client presentations. These are exactly the skills PE firms value. Plus, you’ll be building a relevant network in the M&A space.
On the other hand, the rotational program at the larger firm could give you broader exposure and demonstrate adaptability – which is also valued in PE. However, you might not get as deep into the transaction details compared to the boutique role.
Here are a few questions that might help you decide:
There’s no “one right path,” but if PE is your primary goal and the boutique truly offers substantial deal exposure, it might be the more direct route. That said, trust your gut and choose the environment where you think you’ll learn and grow the most.
Good luck with your decision and on your path to Private Equity!
Simon
Great question, Anna! Many private equity firms actually value hands-on experience with transactions more than just the prestige of working at a larger brand. The key is getting solid experience in deal-related valuation and analysis. Personally, I’d recommend going with the boutique bank, as I’ve seen it often lead to a smoother transition into PE. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to dive deeper into this!
Hi There!
If your ultimate goal is to move into private equity, the boutique investment bank is likely the stronger stepping stone because it will give you direct deal experience, exposure to transactions, and a closer understanding of the private equity mindset.
PE recruiters value hands-on experience with financial modeling, deal structuring, and client interactions, which you’ll get more intensively at a boutique focused on M&A or advisory work. The larger financial services firm might offer breadth and rotational exposure, but without substantial deal execution experience, it may be harder to position yourself for a PE role in the near term.
If your main goal is to move into private equity, the boutique investment bank is likely the stronger choice. Direct deal exposure, financial modeling, and hands-on transaction work are exactly what PE recruiters look for. You’ll learn to analyze companies, build valuations, and work closely with clients—skills that translate directly into PE. The larger financial services firm might give you broader experience and stability, but the rotational nature could dilute your deal experience. Unless the large firm offers a clear route into M&A or corporate development, go with the boutique, perform well, and aim to lateral into a larger bank or PE role after a year or two.
