... start a PE fund - Page 2

You could try reaching out to boutiques and private placement groups of middle market investment banks. I also know there are services that match buyers and sellers but charge a monthly subscription fee (as opposed to success fee of banks). If you are just starting out and nobody has prior investing experience (advisory only), I'd suggest investing in a PE fund with a strategy/sector focus you are interested in and with lots of co-invest opportunities. This will allow you to get exposure to some good deal flow and learn from the experience of the fund. Other option could be a pledge fund. Other than that going to conferences and building a network is probably the best way to go. Good luck!

1) become part of old boys' network
2) exploit insider connections and nepotism
3) ... profit?

Most big PE shops will be founded by guys who have this background but I think you could launch a successful, if modest, PE venture without necessarily being an insider or part of the old boys network.

PE does seem to favor those who have a fair amount of preexisting business connections and a lot of very successful PE firms have been started by individuals who were already well into their careers (i.e. Carlyle).

If you think that's the way you get into the old boy's club, then you were never truly destined to be part of the old boys club.

^Very far from the old boys club. What did you try to get into out of undergrad?

The type of network PE recruits from isn't one frat membership or even graduating from an Ivy would help you get into. PEs often don't even advertise their jobs or share them with recruiters and hire within their own circle or within the networks of those who are already in the industry.

So yes, attending HBS would help but this isn't an industry that you will break into by attending some cocktails at the local board of trade.

Another good way to establish networks is to meet people. Just sayin... I found out recently that my neighbor worked at Bain Capital. I found out just now doing a search figuring out what the significance of private equity was that that's a big deal. Nifty. He didn't come from a super duper college.

Maybe he was Bain Cap's janitor. Just sayin'

I want a janitor job that affords me a 2-3 extra large dollar house.