Respondents strongly represent the mid-career stage. On average, respondents are close to evenly split above and below the 10 year mark in terms of work experience. When it comes to specific private equity and venture capital experience, that split is closer to 5 years.
This year, we saw a much bigger average difference between those with an MBA and those without.
In US, UK and Canada we found that MBA’s earn a 46 percent higher base salary and a 24 percent bigger bonus.
However, if you have more than 5 yrs of work experience (not just investment experience), the difference of not having an MBA almost disappears. If the firm is doing well, the size of one’s bonus will often more than make up the base compensation difference.
The lesson here is to be sure to fully understand the firm’s bonus program and payouts before signing on.
Back to the 2010 Private Equity Compensation Report