Should an experienced candidate take a Entry-level position with a great firm? What should I do?

Question

I have been interviewing for this great opportunity with an private equity firm and I like the people and the position a lot. The work seems very challenging and the people are very open to helping each other which is a breathe of fresh air from my current job. The company seems solid and pay is very good so all seems to be "Go" except for

the annoying fact that the position is entry-level. The postions caters to someone with only 1 or 2 years of work experience; I have 6 years, plus and MBA. Having said that, 5 of my 6 years have been in different industry than the business that this firm does so it doesn't necessary equate to "over-qualified" for the job so much as "over-experienced" -- do you see what I'm saying? For my time withiin this particular industry (which has been 1 year) I fit, but I dont' know how to feel about working with others younger than me who will likely surpass me in title down the road. The work is challenging so I don't know if I'm being egomatic or if this could be really big mistake. HELP!

Answer 1

I would wait until you have received the offer.  That is the time to push back a little on pay or other aspects of the job.  As a buy-sider, I can say unequivocally that finance people look down their noses at every other industry.  So while you have good experience elsewhere, you aren't part of "the club" yet and aren't in a position to be pushing your bosses to "grant" you a higher position when you haven't earned your stripes.

My other concern would be that your work experience puts you slightly ahead of a newcomer - that they want you to do valuation / analysis work on the hospitality industry, but knowing the valuation / analysis side is more key than really knowing the hospitality industry.

My guess is that your bosses have either direct industry experience, or have focused on hospitality for long enough so that they wouldn't necessarily value the direct experience as much.

I think it could be a great opportunity though for you to earn your PE stripes at the entry level and then have a very credible reason as to why you should be fast-tracked to a higher title.

A little more info on what your prior experience is, and what is the role they are asking you to fill - associate?  Modeling, valuation, due diligence?

Answer 2

Take the entry level job to get your foot in the door. Tell the interviewer the same that you have an MBA and would like to be considered for other job openings in the future. This way they will see your work ethic as well as ability to work as a team. Forget your idea about comparing yourself to others with less education. In the business world, education is nice but it isn't the only qualification. Same goes for pay. Where I work, we have an amazing woman with a high school education that makes over $100,000. She did it without the formal education. Be careful that your superiority in education doesn't hamper you in getting ahead. Answer all questions honestly, good handshake, good eye contact, and ask when they will be making the decision. Good luck.

Answer 3

I see this truly is a pickle for you. I like Julie H's answer especially about comparisons. I say go in with a sunny attitude (I'm not suggesting you act or pretend as no one can sustain that for any convincing length of time, I'm saying look for the silver linings) and get close to the cool and key personnel whom your instinct tells you will "understand" you in a quiet/natural way ... Using your internal sense of timing, really open up down the road about how it would behoove the company to review what you bring to the table and capitalize on your strengths by tapping into your talents. You can even put all that in writing at some point. Just don't be long-winded.