Thanks for adding that.

Thanks for adding that.

“Once you’ve found a few dozen firms in your area, you can then go to each firm’s website and email the most senior people there to ask about roles.”

I’ve had good success targeting two levels above where want to be. For example, if you are looking to become an analyst, try reaching out to Senior Associates or VPs, maybe a director if it is a smaller shop. If you are looking to be an Assocaite, target upper level VPs and Directors, maybe an MD at smaller shops.

In my experieince, I’ve found two levels above to be the right “power level” to really get your foot in the door.

An Analyst example: At the end of the day, an MD doesn’t really care who the analyst is (as long as they do a good job), but a VP does, becasue that’s more or less a direct report and the VP’s reputation is on the line. Therefore, they want to hire someone they like and can trust. The VP has the ear of the MD (who eventually makes the final decision). Getting on the VPs short list can go a long way.

You’ll still have to go through the interview process no matter what, but then after the interview, at the coffee maker, the MD will ask the VP “What do you think? You’ll be working with them day to day more than I will.” Bingo!

100% subscribe to this strategy, especailly if you are targeting a specific city. Punch in “private equity”, “capital group”, “capital advisor”, “investment group”, “ventures”, etc. for best resutls.

I usually zoom in to a large metro-wide view, do Search #1. This tells me where finance firms are located (hint, there are usualy core office locations within the city that they all cluster around, usually Class A office areas). Zoom into these areas and click search again and you’ll get a larger list.

Just ask him about either the EU or UK offices, wherever he feels there’s a better chance for an internship. You don’t know how much weight he carries, but it never hurts to ask, so ask and don’t dwell on it thinking too much. You should probably ask him first, see what he says, and then submit the application and see if he can refer you to anyone at the firm who might be able to boost your chances.

I’m currently in unchartered territory and would appreciate any advice.

Im graduating in May 2021 from a very strong finance programme at a non-target (EU). I have excellent grades/cv experiences and a big4 corporate finance internship.

Completely failed in securing a graduate role but somehow managed to obtain a private equity internship at a tiny EU based firm (<200AUM with incoming dry powder). Will be doing this for a year until mid-2022 and then Ill be doing a MSc Finance at an elite UK uni (22-23).

Initial plan was: PE int 1 year, find summer int @ a bank, masters, convert bank internship fulltime.

BUT

The main guy at the firm is ex-megafund MD, (think TPG, Carlyle, Bain, etc.) and he was involved significantly with developing EU-wide operations and later acted as an advisor.

I have a lot of respect for him and the team and want to find a good way to ask him to bat for me when I apply to his old firm for summer ints before my masters.

The main questions:

1. What should I ask him to do? His old firm does have some UK summer ints but he was in an EU office. That office doesn't have any ints. Do you think I should ask him to contact HR/someone senior in the UK office (where he has less contact) or the EU office where there are no ints (but they have taken ints in the past so possibly could 'create' one for me).

2. He left the PE firm several years ago, so will an ex-employee have any weight?

3. When do I ask him? UK summer ints for this firm are typically advertised around July (a year in advance). Do I submit an application first and then ask? Or let him know first?

Thank you very much in advance.

Big fan.

It’s not going to happen at this stage. They don’t hire 62-year olds for entry-level roles in private equity, sorry. Maybe get involved with some PE-owned portfolio company and see if that brings you closer.

Yes. See:

https://mergersandinquisitions.com/medical-school-to-investment-banking/
https://mergersandinquisitions.com/pre-med-to-investment-banking/