Last updated on Jun 26, 2024

Here's how you can gain early exposure to Private Equity in your career.

Private equity (PE) refers to investment funds that acquire equity ownership in companies, typically with the goal of improving their value and selling them at a profit. Gaining early exposure to this field can be a significant career accelerator. If you're aiming to break into private equity, understanding the landscape and preparing yourself with the necessary skills and experiences is crucial. This article will guide you on how to gain that early exposure and set the foundation for a successful career in private equity.

1 Education First

To start your journey into private equity, focus on acquiring a strong educational background. A degree in finance, business, economics, or accounting can provide you with the essential knowledge required for a PE career. Understanding financial modeling, company valuation, and the mechanics of leveraged buyouts are foundational skills. Additionally, pursuing certifications such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or attending workshops and seminars on private equity can further strengthen your expertise and signal your commitment to potential employers.

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Kenneth Ho

Thematic & Sustainability Investing | Multi-Asset Investments
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Get a good education at a good Finance program. Focus on gaining a good grasp of technical skills. Also develop your communication and team work skills. Join competitions and CCAs Be sure to get on the job experience at internships

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Andrew Chavez

We walk your Manufacturing Facility and find $100k in profit in 2 days!
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To get an early start in Private Equity, focus on your education first. Aim for courses in finance, economics, or business. Learn about financial modeling, valuation, and investment analysis—these are key in Private Equity. Look for internships or jobs at financial firms, investment banks, or consulting firms that deal with mergers and acquisitions or corporate finance. Networking is also important: attend industry events, join finance clubs, and connect with people in Private Equity on platforms like LinkedIn. Building a strong academic background, getting relevant internships, and showing you're eager to learn will help you break into Private Equity early in your career.

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Stella Sonza Esver

Environmental paralegal; mapping tech
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Yesterday SF baseball ML Giants honored their "giant" Willie Mayes. I learned early as teenage of The House (Street) that He once attempted to purchase. "The Street" is special memorable stroll. When I first "walked Street" I beheld its magnificent homes, it struck me that "these people must have 'possessed something before they attained Means to these homes." Something instrinsic to their family/ancestry. In college I came across religious text called "The Sacred and the Profane" by Eliade. I glanced at back, but my thoughts fixated on Title. Enlightened, I was transported back to "The Street." Now I had a word to my conceptualized "formulation," that those folks possessed "The Sacred" enabling them to pursue ideology in familial welfare.

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2 Networking Nuance

Networking is a powerful tool in many industries, but it's particularly crucial in private equity. Start building relationships with professionals in the field as early as possible. Attend industry events, join finance-related clubs or societies at your university, and reach out to PE professionals on social media platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with PE firms through informational interviews or casual conversations can provide insights into the industry and help you identify potential mentors who can offer guidance and introduce you to job opportunities.

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3 Internship Inroads

Securing an internship with a private equity firm, even if it's unpaid, can provide invaluable hands-on experience. Internships allow you to apply academic knowledge in a real-world setting, understand the day-to-day workings of a PE firm, and demonstrate your capabilities. It's also an opportunity to make a lasting impression that could lead to a full-time position. If direct PE internships are hard to come by, consider related fields such as investment banking or management consulting as alternatives that can also provide relevant experience.

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Esohe Denise Odaro

Managing Director | Head of ESG & Sustainability | Private Equity | Change maker | Board Member
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Allow me suggest that internships in ESG and sustainability roles within private equity firms can be especially valuable. As the industry continues to shift towards responsible investing, firms are looking for talent with expertise in ESG and sustainability. By interning in these roles, students can gain hands-on experience in areas like sustainable value creation, and ESG due diligence. This specialized knowledge will not only set you apart in a competitive job market but also prepare you to drive long-term value creation in private equity.

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4 Skill Sharpening

Private equity firms value candidates with strong analytical and quantitative skills. You should be comfortable with financial analysis, spreadsheet modeling, and data interpretation. Enhance your skill set by taking online courses or using simulation software to practice financial modeling and valuation. Being proficient in these areas will not only boost your resume but also give you the confidence to handle the technical aspects of a PE role.

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5 Real-world Relevance

Gaining practical experience through case competitions, investment clubs, or managing a small investment portfolio can show your initiative and real-world understanding of investment strategies and risks. Participating in these activities allows you to apply theoretical knowledge to actual investment decisions and can demonstrate your passion for finance and investing to potential employers in the private equity space.

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6 Personal Projects

Lastly, consider undertaking personal projects that showcase your interest in private equity. This could involve writing a blog about industry trends, conducting independent research on potential investment opportunities, or developing a hypothetical investment thesis. These projects not only enhance your understanding of PE but also serve as talking points during interviews and networking events, setting you apart from other candidates.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can gain early exposure to Private Equity in your career.

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1 Education First

2 Networking Nuance

3 Internship Inroads

4 Skill Sharpening

5 Real-world Relevance

6 Personal Projects

7 Here’s what else to consider

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