Seeking a job in a private equity firm is probably the most elusive task for individuals looking to land their dream job in top-notch organizations. Most of the private equity firms expect their candidates to have a strong academic background with solid business analytical skills. Candidates with exceptional skills tend to attract big private jobs and are expected to show solid work ethics and multi-tasking abilities.
Taking up a private equity career is highly rewarding if you’re looking to earn lucrative compensation. This also provides opportunities for developing entrepreneurship experience and help build high-value companies without the need to invest in your own capital. If you’re looking for a fast-paced career, then this can be a rewarding career option this year.
Now, who can get a private equity job?
Most of the marketing and finance graduates often dream of landing a job at a private equity firm, but can everyone get in?
Here’s a certain category of finance professionals looking to work in private equity:
- Fresh graduates – As a fresher graduate, it can be difficult to land a job without prior experience. However, one can always take up internship and gain industry skills.
- Analysts who are currently working in allied industries – Having experience with a management consulting firm can be the best foundation in landing a job at a private equity firm.
- Investment banking analysts – Most of the private equity firms generally work closely with investment banking firms on certain financial transactions and hence, analysts with such experience have the best chance of getting into private equity firms.
What are the skills required?
There are a certain set of skills that one must possess before getting into a private equity firm. The first and foremost skill is to have a strong background in business and analytics. Recruiters also look out for candidates who are highly skilled and is a trend spotter.
These are the technical skills one must possess:
- LBO (Leverage Buyout) modeling
- Financial modeling
- General financial analysis
- M&A (Merger and Acquisitions) modeling
Apart from these technical skills candidates should also possess skills such as communication skills, negotiating skills, management skills, networking skills, and people skills etc. Landing a job in a private equity firm doesn’t happen overnight, however, if you’re seeking to land a job in a prestigious private equity career, you need to start paving your career path from today itself.
Most private equity professionals come from top-notch institutes, Ivy league schools or one who has spent a couple of years in investment banking firms. Private equity jobs are often viewed as a destination rather than a place to start a career in.
Organizations these days are more involved in hiring candidates with updated skills, the reason why candidates are taking up certifications. We’re living in a competitive job market and having a credible certification shows that you’re ahead of the pack. A certification is a proof that one has extensive knowledge and skills in that domain.