Questions on Private Equity Careers

Answers from Private Equity Insiders

Copyright Job Search Digest

Moving into VC/PE

Q: How can a person with management consulting background move into the VC/PE industry?

Focus on skills that are very marketable

Critical analysis of companies/industries Working with & presenting to management teams

Team collaboration under pressure

Modeling skills

Carefully target firms for best fit

Hands-on, operational approach to investing

Copyright Job Search Digest

Legal Experience & PE Funds

Q: For PE/M&A attorneys breaking into PE Funds at what level should one apply? The process?

Apply to position commensurate with experience

Associate: 2-4 yrs Sr. Assoc/VP: 4-6 yrs VP/Director: 6-10+ yrs

Identify firms who will value law experience

Restructuring firms
American Capital Gores Group Bayside Capital Sun Capital

Copyright Job Search Digest

Portfolio Companies of a PE Firm

Q: How to break into the portfolio companies of a PE firm, not just the firm itself?

Identify target portfolio companies to approach Build networked job search

LinkedIn

Alumni network
Others with relevant contacts

Check firms website for job leads

Copyright Job Search Digest

Advantages for Entrepreneurs?

Q: Do entrepreneurs have an advantage to getting into Private Equity?

No but focus on marketable, tangible skills such as:

Maturity

Ability to analyze markets & develop strategy

Interpersonal skills Demonstrated passion for entrepreneurship

Any industry expertise, especially in a hot sector

Copyright Job Search Digest

Pursuing Pre-MBA Positions

Q: Does it make sense for MBAs to pursue pre-MBA VC/PE positions?

Pre-MBA positions
looking for junior professional with 2-3 years investment banking or consulting experience

MBAs will not be considered

May significantly reduce or eliminate being considered for future appropriate level positions

Copyright Job Search Digest

Biotech/Pharmaceutical Experience
Q: As a former biotech/pharmaceutical executive, what do you suggest for moving into PE or VC?

1. Identify leading PE/VC firms that invest in biotech and/or pharma

2. Build contact list connected to target firms

3. Research target firms to create personalized approach

4. Reach out to contacts for introductions to senior leaders at target firms
This strategy can be applied to anyone with industry expertise seeking to transition to PE or VC
Copyright Job Search Digest

Leveraging Sales Experience

Q: What advice do you have for leveraging experience as an investment management sales executive looking for long only investment management firms to raise capital for VC/PE/HF fund looking to raise money in the US institutional marketplace?

It may not be a good time to break into this industry Consider the state of alternative investment fundraising Identify hot sectors
Focus on pitching to firms in these spaces
Copyright Job Search Digest

Variety of Education and Experience

Q: I have education and experience, but none in IB, PE, VC or HF? Is there hope for me?
MA in Management & Finance 3 years in retail & consumer banking

BSc in Accounting (non-target school)

Build work experience to break into PE/VC

Run small consulting firm

Copyright Job Search Digest

Thank You
Visit JobSearchDigest.com for more information
Copyright Job Search Digest
Images used with permission from Microsoft