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Coach
This is pretty obvious - defer the MBA, secure a positive review and return option from PE firm (some even offer sponsorship) and then go to HBS with full option value...
Defer. After working for a year or two you’ll want a break. Network at hbs, then come back and row with the rest of us
It also depends on how early you are in your career overall. I'm guessing you're still a young person, so as previous commenter said you have options and it's good to take these options early when they come up.
I started with 7 YOE - I was a little on the older side (most of my peers are 4-6 YOE) but it’s a non-issue.
Consider your goals first and foremost.
A friend of mine switched from Full-time MBA to executive MBA program (part-time) when he got a PE offer. Is that an option for you?
This would be brutal
Mentor
Defer one year to get 18-22 months of PE experience. Recruit as a Sr Associate coming out of B School.
6-10 months is too little to get enough credit and street cred.
I don’t think they will let you defer. Go to school.
If you have >4 years of experience it’s an automatic decision, go to HBS and recruit for VP roles afterwards. Focus on PE during your MBA, and the storyline will be solid (x years in other roles gave you breadth/valuable experience, show your stamp with one year of PE, commit to the career by leading HBS PE club, doing PE internship/etc). You’ll be at virtually the same position recruiting wise and will accelerate your career a year
Coach
I kind of think this is wrong. We care about YOE in PE not total. Maybe I’m wrong but I have a hard time believing you’re going to get a VP spot worth having. We certainly wouldn’t look at you. We think you didn’t have enough experience for a VP role, would think you think you’re too good for a associate role and would throw you in the “too hard” pile.