Work in Private Equity

Do You Really Want to Work in Private Equity

I receive e-mails every week from eager young professionals looking for an entry point to the private equity industry. A familiar phrase is “I want to work in private equity” but I would guess that few really consider if they can commit to a career in private equity. So, I’m asking potential private equity professionals, do you really want to work in private equity?

There are an infinite number of careers you can pursue, but if you are reading this blog we can assume that you have settled on finance. Committing yourself to working in the private equity industry is a necessary first step toward achieving that goal. If you are simply trying for any business or finance job that you can find, you are at a disadvantage to those who have a
single goal of working at a buyout firm.

If you do not commit exclusively to private equity you have to spread yourself and your resources over several industries which makes it significantly more difficult to meet with people connected in each industry. While you are are spreading yourself too thin across hedge funds, private equity, mutual funds and other areas; a committed competitor is networking with private equity professionals, joining private equity associations, interviewing at with managers and partners and taking other concrete steps toward a private equity career.

If you really want to work for a private equity firm, it will show in your self-discipline, networking, knowledge of the industry, passion and, ultimately, your actions. You can change
your mind later, but if you want to try to work in this industry – go all in and learn as much as
you can. Make the decision to change focus, commit to it for three to five years and see what
comes of it.

A common question during an interview with a private equity firm or recruiter is “Why do
you want to work in private equity?” If you can offer an honest answer that displays your dedication and interest in the industry, then you are on your way.

If you’d like to learn more about the industry please see our Career Guide which has helpful resources for advancing your private equity career.

Looking for a job in private equity or would you like to advertise an open position on this website? See our Alternative Investment Jobs.

Usual disclaimer: This does not constitute financial advice, see a licensed professional or legal consultant before following any recommendations from this website.

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Tags: Alternative Investment Job Opportunities, Investment Jobs, Private Equity Careers, Private Equity Associates, Private Equity jobs, job listings, employment, buyout job

Private Equity Service Provider Jobs

Private Equity Service Provider Jobs

I receive many e-mails each month from professionals interested in working in private equity. They are hardly ever searching for a position outside of a private equity firm, as a service provider. This is not really surprising considering the great compensation and benefits from working for a private equity firm, but a service provider career can be just as rewarding. You miss out on some great job opportunities by strictly limiting your career search to the typical positions within a buyout firm such as analyst, associate or junior portfolio manager.

While some service provider jobs may seem less glorious than working directly for a private equity firm, there are great career opportunities for someone who has experience in fields that may not fit exactly into private equity. For example, an accountant may have an interest in private equity but has no experience in raising capital, investor relations, finding and executing deals or any other part of the buyout process. While he may have a tough time finding employment in a private equity, he could be taken on as a specialized alternative assets auditor. This offers competitive compensation and a chance to work one on one with buyout firms because service providers work with multi-million dollar and even billion dollar clients.

Attorneys, third-party and fund-of-fund marketers, fund administration and IT technology service providers can also work in the private equity industry. By taking the less traveled route, career professionals can land high-paying and rewarding jobs in private equity.

See our Service Provider Directory:

• Auditors & Accounting Services
• Fund Administration Services
• Marketing and Sales Consultants & Resources
• IT Consultants & Technology Services
• Attorneys & Lawyers

Tags: Private equity, private equity service provider, private equity service provider jobs, private equity services, private equity careers, private equity jobs

Private Equity Job Market

Update on the Private Equity Job Market

It is possible to find a job in private equity but it isn’t easy, according to Abby Adlerman of Russell Reynolds Associates, a leading executive recruiter. There are a few industries that are actively seeking new talent although a lot of this hiring is focused on the portfolio management side.

Private equity firms are hiring very selectively on the principle level. On the portfolio side, operations managers and executives are in high demand as private equity firms focus exclusively on their portfolio companies. Distressed credit investing and secondary purchases are two areas of high-demand as well. Additionally, renewable energy and infrastructure are expanding and requiring a lot of new talent. Alderman estimates that experience is the most sought-after quality during this rough time for private equity.

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Tags: Private Equity Job Market, Private Equity Jobs, Private Equity Career, Private Equity Job openings, Private Equity market, Private Equity Careers, Buyout jobs, Portfolio management

Career Mistakes

Top Five Career Mistakes to Avoid

There is a fine line between between being competitive while pursuing a job and annoying the potential employer. The following is an explanation the top five career mistakes that you should avoid. It is targeted toward professionals in the finance and investing industry which is highly competitive and many people’s enthusiasm for getting the job leads them to commit errors that ruin their chances. I receive lots of applications from people looking to enter the private equity industry and almost all of these applicants (although well-meaning) unknowingly makes at least one of these mistakes.

Here are five very common mistakes:

1. Don’t be annoying. Annoying may seem a bit harsh but I don’t know how else to describe ten e-mails confirming that you received the first e-mail. By pursuing a hirer or recruiter too aggressively he will want to give you a shot even less rather than catching his attention.
2. Don’t be overconfident. Confidence is healthy and necessary especially in the business world but being overconfident to the point you claim to know everything begs the obvious question, “then why would I hire you, shouldn’t you hire me?” Especially for entry-level positions, this is the wrong attitude. You should be eager to learn more about the industry from those with experience. You send the wrong message by marketing yourself as better than everyone and imply that you are a no-it-all.
3. No long resumes or emails. Resumes should be kept short. I understand that you want to highlight all the qualifications and attributes that make you the right candidate for the job but the people who read your resume are busy and want it written concisely and clearly. For a guide to writing a quality resume see Private Equity Resume. The same applies to emails, I know of people (myself sometimes included) who will stop reading emails because they are epic essays that do not have a clear objective. The best emails are brief and to the point.
4. Generic is boring. You have to separate yourself from the other hundreds of emails or applications. By trying to appear well-rounded you sometimes underplay your specific abilities and areas of expertise. There are thousands of people with finance experience who want to work in private equity so you have to differentiate yourself from the herd. Employers want to hire people that fill a specific void in that private equity firm.
5. Passion is not enough. This is a lesson for those applicants who think that passion alone can get them in the door. I’ve seen this first hand with internship applicants with e-mails like “Working in private equity is my dream! I love the industry; it’s so exciting…” It’s great that you’re excited about the industry and employers do look for people passionate about the industry but often people will little qualifications or experience use this enthusiasm as a way of compensating. Employers see through this so back up your communications with something stronger than exclamation points.

Here is Richard Wilson explaining these mistakes:

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Tags: private equity jobs, private equity career mistakes, private equity career, private equity job market, private equity job mistakes, career mistakes, career mistakes to avoid, private equity career advice

Private Equity Job Market

Tips for Entering the Private Equity Job Market

Many Private Equity Blogger readers are MBA students/recent graduates or professionals hoping to make the switch from another finance career to private equity. I have made a point to update the site with as many resources as possible related to private equity careers. For other Private Equity Blogger career resources please refer to the list at the bottom of this post.

Speakers for the recent private equity and venture capital conference at the Harvard Business School cautioned that today, MBA grads need to have some patience–along with good grades and experience. Those who graduate with a Masters in Business Administration are faced with a very adverse private equity job market, perhaps only rivaled by the burst of the tech bubble. Many firms are imposing a freeze on hiring or even cutting jobs–see Carlyle cuts 10% of staff. This leads Rob Go, a senior associate with Boston-based VC firm Spark Capital, to warn, “Think about the funds that you want to join and then think out two to three or four years.”

Interestingly, the private equity industry speakers suggested that hopefuls turn to alternate routes rather than focusing only on private equity, such as with the government or within a start-up:

“If I were looking for a job, I’d work at [the Department of Energy] for a few years and then come out and [find] a clean tech firm that has to penetrate those [regulatory] networks,” said Craig Driscoll, a partner at Lexington, Mass., venture capital firm Highland Capital Partners LLC.

Another suggestion was to make an effort to separate yourself from the other job candidates with special skills: “Take an unconventional path and be okay failing,” said Josh Wolfe, co-founder of Lux Capital Management, a New York venture capital firm. “Running with the herd made sense with the vast majority of the evolutionary past, but it doesn’t make a lot of sense in an investment world.”

The moderator of the event, a partner and head of a New York-based private equity recruiter, similarly spoke of thinking outside the box by seeking positions besides an analyst or partner. Instead, he advises to look into investor relations or risk management for private equity firms because positions such as the CFO or COO for a large firm can be highly lucrative and rewarding.

Although the panelists cautioned against working at a second- and third-tier private equity firm, they concluded on an optimistic note, with one VC remarking: “In 2001 to 2003, we saw MBAs with anxiety, but that vintage of MBAs has turned out pretty well. The people that have been through a crisis come out more battle hardened.”

For other articles on private equity careers and jobs visit the following links:

• Complete Private Equity Jobs Guide
• Finding a private equity job
• Private equity job salaries
• Private Equity and Hedge Fund Jobs

Source

Tags: Private equity jobs, private equity, private equity careers, private equity job market, private equity job placement, private equity job, private equity career, finding a private equity job

Private Equity Firm Jobs

Private Equity Firm Jobs | How to Get a Job

One of the frequent questions we get is – “How can I get a job with a private equity firm? There are many answers and we are slowly developing a complete section of our site to help you answer this question for yourself. Our most recent additional resource to this part of our website is the result of some recent negotiations with a private equity job listings website which you may use for a discount if you believe it would help you find a position in the industry.

PrivateEquityBlogger.com has negotiated a special $10 first-quarter discount on subscriptions to Job Search Digest, a unique career resource for finding venture capital, private equity, hedge fund and investment banking jobs. Since 2002, Job Search Digest has helped finance professionals be much more effective with their job search. Every day their team researches all the online job boards (including the specialty niche sites) and captures only the most relevant jobs—giving you a competitive advantage in your job search. They also provide profiles of specialist executive recruiters, compensation data, and other resources aimed at making your job search more efficient.

To get started and claim your discount on any one of their services, simply go to private equity Private Equity Job Center, Hedge Fund Job Center, or Investment Banking Job Center

Tags: Private Equity Firm Jobs, Private Equity Jobs, Private Equity Job, How to Get a Private Equity Job, Private Equity Job Search, Getting a Job in Private Equity, Private Equity

Private Equity and Hedge Funds Jobs

Private Equity and Hedge Funds Jobs Resource

Private Equity Jobs is a resource for individuals interested in entering the private equity and hedge fund industry, as well as those existing private equity and hedge fund professionals who want to manage their future and view possible job opportunities. The website was started in March 2008 by a veteran recruiter with over ten years experience in the alternative investment space.

Private Equity Jobs uses a pre-qualifying method on candidates individually reviewing every candidate’s background to ensure all community members possess the requisite educational background and work experience that is necessary for a job in the private equity or hedge fund industry. Currently, Private Equity Jobs more than 10,000 of these pre-qualified professionals its database. Private Equity Jobs offers weekly newsletters and job bursts to disseminate relevant real-time industry information, private equity and hedge fund job hiring news and career management tools. Since its inception Private Equity Jobs has hosted both front- and back-office positions, including job postings for Portfolio Managers, Partners, Principals, Quantitative Analysts, CFOs, COOs and Investment Associates.

Future of Private Equity Jobs

• Private Equity Jobs hopes to launch a monthy webinars and the site is currently composing a compensation survey.
• Although it has a single site now, Private Equity Jobs hopes to launch at least twenty more within the hedge fund and private equity industry over the next two years.
• The majority of listings on Private Equity Jobs are based in the U.S. but the site is working to expand its listings of non-U.S. based positions.

In light of the volatile market, Private Equity Jobs now offers a new pricing structure for job postings. Presently, the site offers a 30 day job posting for $199 instead of the previous fee of $350. Non-U.S. based job postings are only $99 for 30 days.

Related Article: Free Private Equity Career Guide

Tags: Private Equity Jobs, Private Equity Jobs Resource, Privat Equity Jobs Database, Private Equity and Hedge Fund Jobs, Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Private Equity Career, Finding a Private Equity Job

A job in private equity can be both challenging and highly rewarding, which explains the very competitive private equity job competition. So, gaining an advantage through articles, advice from professionals and research is increasingly valuable in finding a private equity job. If you are looking for a job, please see our Alternative Investments Jobs.

I am often contacted by young professionals who are eager to get a job with a private equity firm and want to know what it takes to get there. Landing a job in this industry is no simple feat but with the right credentials, a great work ethic and dedication to working in private equity it is possible. I have compiled a free guide to help people interested in working in private equity with some knowledge that I can share as well as other resources that I have found helpful. I will be updating this guide to make it very comprehensive and a great tool for finding a private equity job.

If you would like to have a job listing posted on Alternative Investments Jobs, please e-mail me at Theo@PEblogger.com

Private Equity Job Opportunities

• Private equity MBA: Here is an article on how private equity is attracting MBA graduates.
• Resume writing: This article provides tips for writing a resume with a focus on private equity careers.
• Private equity associate: A private equity associate is the typical entry-level position for MBA graduates and this shows what that position entails.
• Private equity partner: The private equity partner is a sought-after position in private equity firms, this is a overview of the qualifications and duties of a partner at a private equity firm.
• Venture Capital Associate: This article emphasizes the associate position at a venture capital firm.
• Private Equity Positions: A general overview of the different positions at a private equity firm.
• Private Equity Job Database: This is a collection of job database websites.

Tags: Private equity jobs, private equity job, private equity jobs guide, guide to private equity jobs, private equity career, private equity careers, private equity, private equity resume, getting a job in private equity

Private Equity Internship

Accepting Applicants for Private Equity Internship

Searching for a private equity internship? If you are interested in learning more about private equity and would like to apply for an unpaid intern position, send me your resume and what area of private equity you are most interested in. Let me know what type of internship you would like (time commitment and type of work) and I will try to find a position aligned with your preferences.

This internship is not working directly in a private equity firm, however the experience gained can be beneficial for eventually entering the private equity industry. If you put in the effort and the time, you are guaranteed to have a better understanding of the private equity industry and stay current on trends and norms that will help you as a professional in the industry as you apply for a private equity job. I look forward to speaking with you.

Permanent Link: Private Equity Internship

Tags: Private equity internship, private equity career, private equity internships, internship opportunity private equity, private equity job, private equity unpaid internship

Private Equity Resume

Private Equity Resume Advice

Writing a private equity resume is unique from other resumes because it generally requires experience in finance as a prerequisite for being considered for a position in private equity, so here is an article with suggestions on how to compose a great resume.

I just found a great article on crafting the ideal private equity resume from Mergers and Inquisitions. The presumption is that the applicant has worked in the investment banking sector or currently works as an investment banker. Another presumption is that you hold an MBA from a good school, these two elements are not necessarily required but they are highly recommended for entering the private equity industry.

Here are some tips from M&I as well as my own on creating a great private equity resume:

1. Resume Appearance: There is no excuse for a poorly written or incorrectly structured resume. If you are having trouble composing your resume seek help. There are a lot of resources that can help you make a winning resume. Here are just a few:
• Contact your old professors, or better yet, speak with someone who has a job in private equity. Even if you’re confident in your resume it doesn’t hurt to have it edited by someone you respect.
• Look online for guidelines to writing a resume, but be careful to get your advice from qualified sources like Vault which focuses specifically on business careers.
• Check out a career advice book to get good tips on writing a resume, it may seem like a lot of work but resumes are your first impression with your employer, why not put in the extra effort?
2. Focus on Professional Experience: While other employers in other industries focus on academic standing, personality and other things, not strictly your professional experience, private equity is different. A potential employer wants to know everything about what you’ve done at your former job, so don’t spare any details that can help you appear as experienced as possible. There is a reason that private equity firms want to hire people that have worked in investment banking or a similar financial area for at least two years: they don’t want train you, they want a prepared associate who is experienced enough to enter private equity and immediately produce results. Showing significant work experience by emphasizing the deals you worked on and how you contributed are key in this resume. Here are some key elements to highlight when explaining your past work experience:
• The number of deals you have worked on
• The types of deals you have worked on – M&A (sellside and buyside), IPOs, Follow-Ons, Convertibles, Debt
• The skills you gained – LBO modeling, accretion/dilution modeling, DCF skills, valuation.
3. How to Write About Your Deals: The key for writing about your past deals that you’ve been involved in is to be unique and demonstrate how you specifically influenced and contributed to the deal process. Rather than just listing your duties that you carried out during the deal process, specifically mention how you helped in the deal. M&I has a great example of what NOT to do and then a re-write of what to do:

• Poor example:
• $5B Sale Of Company Y To Company X
  • Drafted Offering Memorandum and Management Presentation and tracked status of deal with potential buyers
  • Managed due diligence process between Company Y and different buyers and responded to all inquiries
• Better example:
• 5B Sale Of Company Y To Company X
• Worked directly with CFO to build complex operating model of company involving 40 different properties across multiple states
• Created market analysis showing favorable trends in casino construction despite subprime-related problems; led to 2 private equity buyers remaining in the auction process until the final round

I hope this is helpful while you compose your resume and remember that while it can be tedious, this is an important step on your way to entering the rewarding private equity industry.

Permanent Link: Private Equity Resume

Tags: Private Equity Resume, Private Equity, Private Equity Job Resume, Private Equity Career Advice, Private Equity Career, Private Equity Resume Tips

Private Equity Salary Cut

Salary of Private Equity Dealmakers Could Drop 75%

The trouble in the financial sector inevitably promotes caution in the private equity industry, especially among buyout firms and some believe that this will cause major reductions in the salaries paid to dealmakers at buyout firms. Bloomberg news reports that private equity salaries could face major reductions–as high as a 75% cut–as a result of the credit crunch.

British financier Guy Hands makes the projection based on the idea that private equity deals will have a longer life than before–an average of 8 years–as firms exercise more caution. This would inevitably lead to huge cuts in the salary of private equity dealmakers who have been compensated very well in the past as more buyouts were executed. Hands believes that the current economic crisis will force private equity firms to reevaluate their strategy and focus on safer, more long-term focused deals–a sharp departure from the way buyout firms have operated up until this economic decline.

“Compensation for everyone in the financial services industry is clearly going to fall over the next few years,” Mr. Hands told Bloomberg. “This will be particularly true for private equity general partners who are having the reduction, both because of the time it takes to invest and because of the time it takes to harvest.”

Source: Bloomberg

Permanent Link: Private Equity Salary Cut

Tags: Private Equity Compensation, Private Equity Salary, Private Equity Salaries, Private Equity Management, Private Equity

Private Equity Firm: Partner

The Role of a Partner at a Private Equity Firm

The position of Partner at a private equity firm is a coveted one, and with reason. The private equity Partner is rewarded significantly higher compensation than associates (although they are paid very well too). The logic behind the dramatic pay increase is that a Partner has significant abilities in judging deals, managing employees and generating high profits for the firm.

Partners at private equity firms take on a wide range of responsibilities, but the Partner has four primary duties:

• Managing the Partnership and Operations: Typically Senior Partners oversee the overall productivity and performance of the firm and its employees and the day-to-day operational tasks are assigned to the other Partners. The degree in which each partner specializes in a certain area varies by the firm’s size and reach.
• Sourcing Deals: The majority of deals come from Partners, who use their extensive investment knowledge and experience in the industry, as well as their numerous contacts to find potential investment opportunities. In this way, Partners play a pivotal role in searching out and executing deals for the private equity firm.
• Supervising Investments: The degree that Partners are involved in the firm’s investments varies by deal but generally Partners take on at least a small role in monitoring the investment. This could be only a minimal hand in the company, such as a seat on the investment’s board. In other cases, the Partner takes on a very active role in the life of the investment by managing the operational aspects of an acquired company. The Partner’s involvement in the investment is meant to ensure its continued success which hopefully translates to profits for the private equity firm.
• Partner Relations: Finding new Limited Partners and maintaining good relationships with existing Limited Partners is another important duty of Partners. This is crucial for Partners because bad relations with investors could translate to a capital drought for the firm’s private equity funds.

While these duties are the most time-consuming and have the highest priority, a Partner must also make time to keep up on industry trends and stay ahead of the competition. Through trade shows, private equity forums and industry publications a Partner is able to keep up with the ever-evolving private equity industry. Another task is the mentoring of the young talent by overseeing their work with helpful criticism and advice, which has a two-fold benefit of increasing the efficiency of the firm through the Associates and grooming future management.

As you can see, Partners have a great deal of influence over the success of a private equity firm and therefore Partners are the top-tier of business professionals. The position is difficult but the compensation makes it well worth the effort for most Partners and the allure of a Senior Partner position makes the Partner role an envied rank in private equity firms.

For more info: Tuck Center for Private Equity

Permanent Link: Private Equity Firm Partner

Tags: Private Equity Firm Partner, Private Equity Partner, Private Equity, Private Equity Careers, Private Equity Positions, Private Equity Jobs, Partner at a Private Equity Firm

Private Equity Recruitment

Private Equity and Venture Capital Recruitment

If you are searching for qualified private equity recruits for your firm or, on the other side, if you are hoping to connect with a private equity firm then Private Equity Recruitment is a great tool.

Unlike the broad financial recruitment websites, this resource specializes exclusively on the venture capital and private equity industry. One major benefit is the international reach of Private Equity Recruitment Ltd. which spans globally including Asia and the Middle East.
Another benefit is the size of the agency, Private Equity Recruitment hosts more jobs on their website than any other private equity recruiter in the UK and Europe. This is a valuable resource for professionals interested in entering the private equity and venture capital industry.

Until I can correct the link problem for e-mail subscribers, here is the URL for Private Equity Recruitment: http://www.perecruit.com/

Permanent Link: Private Equity Recruitment

Tags: Private Equity Recruitment, Private Equity Recruiting, Private Equity Recruiters, Private Equity and Venture Capital Recruitment

Private Equity Compensation

Private Equity Compensation Defies Credit Crunch

The number of private equity deals have declined as the credit crunch hurts the financial industry, but in terms of compensation and hiring private equity has remained strong in 2007.

According to a Private Equity Analyst study, the salaries for North American private equity professionals rose by 5.3%, from $190,000 rose to $200,000 in 2006. When you factor in bonuses, private equity compensation increased 25%, to $375,000. If you thought that was high, there is still the remaining factor of carried interest which brings the total to $401,000 from $315,000.

Hiring increased too, of the 167 private equity firms surveyed, the majority of the firms responded that they were adding staff more than reducing. This compares pretty impressively to the investment banks that have been cutting staff with mass lay-offs.

Other optimistic notes from the study are that of the participating private equity firms only 5% expect to diminish in size. Also, compensation consultants expect the pay for entry-level positions to stay the same or even rise in 2008.

So why is the private equity industry surviving while other financial sectors are making huge cuts in staff and salaries? A major factor may be the cushion of management fees. Private equity firms receive notoriously high management fees that are paid throughout the life of the deal, which sometimes lasts at least 10 years.

The study is not completely optimistic–the marked decline in deals is worrying many in the industry for instance–but in a struggling economy the study reveals good news for those considering entering private equity and those currently working at a private equity firm.

Source: WSJ and PEA

Permanent Link: Private Equity Compensation

Tags: Private equity compensation, private equity salaries, private equity compensation report, private equity income, private equity money, private equity salary data

Professional Networking

Private Equity and Venture Capital Networking Tips

The private equity job market is very competitive and it may be difficult to break into the industry. While a large part of securing an interview at a private equity or venture capital firm is having the proper credentials (i.e. MBA and financial work experience), another important aspect is networking.

By putting in some extra work networking you make a contact who leads you to a job opening, or you may just learn valuable tips from other private equity or venture capital professionals. No matter your field, networking is critical for advancing in the financial world. Here are a few basic networking opportunities you may have overlooked:

• Linkedin.com: The biggest and probably the best networking website is LinkedIn. This website’s sole purpose is to connect professionals and make business contacts, so having an updated and active LinkedIn account is an easy networking tool that often leads to great contacts. Make sure that your profile is professional and shows all your skills and past work experience. A photo will lend some personality to your profile too. Join the private equity linkedin group, if you haven’t already.

• Facebook.com: Another networking website that is Facebook. Although Facebook has a more social networking focus, many business people use this site as a tool for professional networking. Word of caution: if you use Facebook for its social features, like connecting with college friends, then make sure there are no comments or photos on your profile that you wouldn’t be comfortable with a potential employer seeing.

• IFA Life: A reader suggested another networking tool, IFA Life,a new professional networking website for financial planners and investment professionals. The site is predominantly in the U.K. but is expanding to the U.S. too.

• Join forums: The internet provides so many opportunities to connect with other private equity and venture capital industry contacts, and forums are great for this. The Private Equity Forum is connected to the 9,000+ member private equity group and is a good place to ask questions and meet people. There are also many forums exclusive to venture capital or angel investing.

• Attend events: I live in New York City so there is always a networking event or private equity lecture to attend. This goes for most major cities too, especially areas with major financial sectors like Chicago and Boston. Sites like this, are great for keeping up with events. Also, check out online conferences “webinars” that are often led by well-known speakers.

These are some basic but great opportunities to make other contacts and become more familiar with the private equity industry. If you have any suggestions for other professional networking opportunities please send an email to Theo@peblogger.com

Permalink: Professional Networking

Tags: Private equity networking, networking private equity, private equity networking opportunities, private equity, professional networking, how to network in private equity

Private Equity Positions

Positions in Private Equity

If you’re considering applying for a job in private equity, here is a brief introduction.

Private equity jobs are typically separated by primary areas: number crunching; appraising and executing deals; and originating deals.

“The Number Crunchers”

The number crunching area consists of the junior staff. These employees are usually offered short two year contracts and their main duty is to analyze potential investments. The number crunchers look at the accounts of the companies that the fund is considering and constructing financial models for calculating how much these companies are worth.

Appraising and Executing Deals

After the number crunchers finish calculating and analyzing the investments, the next set of people take over the deal. These people, sometimes called the principals, take the information that the number crunchers gathered and decide whether the investment is beneficial to the firm and what the price should be set at. If these people decide that the investment works for the private equity firm then they help execute the deal.

“Originators”

This leads to the “originators” who are more senior than those who appraise the deals. These people are typically the fund’s partners and their responsibility is to oversee the deal while it is being executed. Their duties also include originating new deals by finding more companies to invest in. These people use their senior status to build relationships with top executives in companies, possibly using that connection to coordinate a deal later. After the deal has been completed, the principals and partners nurture the company. This nurturing role may involve a position on the company board and advising a strategy that will lead to increased profits.

Necessary Skills for a Job in Private Equity

In order to be seriously considered at any position in a private equity firm, you generally need an excellent academic record–usually an MBA from a quality university. In addition, many recruiters want professional experience of at least a year in investment banking or a relevant industry. The salaries in the private equity industry ranges by position, but data suggests that private equity compensation is exceptionally high.

Permanent Link: Private Equity Positions

Tags: Private equity jobs, jobs in private equity, private equity careers, careers in private equity

Private Equity Jobs

Private Equity Jobs

Our team is now starting to publish select private equity jobs which are open within the industry. We see this as both a service to private equity professionals who may consider a move and to firms who are looking to find those individuals with relevant work experience. Below please find a link to our first listing to be published:

• Venture Capital Fundraising

Permanent Link: Private Equity Jobs

Tags: Private Equity Jobs, Private Equity Job, Jobs in Private Equity, Private Equity Job Listings, Private Equity Job Postings, Private Equity Positions, Entry Level Private Equity Job

Private Equity Associate

Private Equity Associate Skills

A private equity associate is the typical entry-level position for MBA graduates. An associate candidate should be able to perform at all stages of the deal, from making the deal to operations and even fund raising.

A worthy candidate should possess three core skills:

1. Technical skills- Firms often specialize in a certain sector or domain. An associate’s responsibility is to gain expertize in that area.
2. Analytical skills- Associates must be able to understand business models, research and collect relevant data, and conduct an extensive analysis on potential investments. Most MBA programs should prepare candidates for this area of the job to a small extent, but further self-preparation is recommended.
3. Interpersonal skills- Not only are interpersonal skills important for succeeding in the firm, a large part of a private equity associate’s job is networking with contacts–from investors to service providers. Interpersonal skills are essential for success in the private equity industry.

Private equity associates are expected to interpret data rapidly, interpret it effectively and come up with a conclusion. Although an associate’s duties vary by firm, that any associate should possess.

Permanent Link: Private Equity Associate

Tags: Private Equity Associate, private equity careers, private equity, private equity associate skills, finding a job as an associate

There are many opportunities for people hoping to break into the private equity scene, so here are some quality private equity education opportunities that I’ve found:

Top Private Equity Education Programs

• Harvard Business School- Private Equity and Venture Capital: This program is designed for executives with substantial field experience runs from rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank” Sept. 7-11, 2008 for $7500. Also, there is a similar program offered called Private Equity and Venture Capital-China taking place Oct. 15-18, 2008 for RMB 55,000.
• Dartmouth offers a private equity focused MBAs. Also the Tuck School of Business is friendly to private equity students, offering internships in the industry, private equity clubs and private equity fellowships.
• The Thunderbird Private Equity Center has a focus on the global private equity and venture capital industry, advancing students, investors and professionals’ understanding.

I will be adding more to this list, eventually making it into a guide of credible opportunities for those hoping to advance their career through education in private equity. If you have any potential additions please e-mail me at Theo@peblogger.com

In a shaky private equity industry, a Forbes article suggests a survival instinct has kicked in for private equity firms.

Of course, capital is the primary focus of private equity firms, but in order to survive in these uncertain financial times many have shifted their focus to human capital. Strong leadership will likely be the difference between a collapsing firm and a successful one. So having capable veteran executives has become a vital element in private equity. But how do firms find a worthy candidate? Ana Dutra heads the leadership development division for executive recruiter Korn/Ferry International and she confesses that finding the best candidate is not an exact science. However, she says there is a method most executive recruiters use.

Firms sometimes use a rating system that analyzes, among other things, the candidate’s entrepreneurial energy and experience in turnaround circumstances. One private equity executive recruiter said that the key is focusing long-term on a good adaptable candidate, as the industry is very fast-paced and subject to major changes. Most recruiters agree that hiring a seasoned veteran who brings leadership credentials is critical for firms, especially in today’s shaky market. As the private equity industry expands into emerging markets having a strong executive will likely prove to be the edge on the new firms.

Alternative Investments Jobs

Alternative Investments Job Opportunities

Many of my readers are recent graduates from business schools and looking to enter private equity. Others have worked in finance and would like to make the transition to working in alternative investments. These qualified individuals often send me their resumes and this page will become a resource for private equity firms, hedge funds, executive recruiters and investment-related employers to promote their job opportunities.

Position #1: Senior Associate – Secondary Team (Philadelphia)

Hamilton Lane is a private, independently owned firm which provides alternative asset management services to institutional investors worldwide. Founded in 1991, Hamilton Lane has grown to over 100 employees in offices around the globe. Headquartered outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Hamilton Lane has $12 billion of assets under management for managed accounts and over $76 billion in assets under supervision – making us one of the largest allocators of private equity capital in the world.

Hamilton Lane is looking to hire a Senior Associate in its Secondary Group to work directly with its Philadelphia team. The Senior Associate will be responsible for evaluating secondary investments in private equity funds and companies.

Specific Requirements:

• Lead secondary transactions, perform pricing analyses and prepare investment memoranda for the Firm’s Investment Committee
• Analyze and value underlying assets for secondary opportunities using LBO and cash flow models, constructing company comparables and multiple scenario outcomes
• Perform due diligence calls with general partners
• Source secondary opportunities from general partners and limited partners
• Cover/manage secondary intermediary relationships
• Monitor existing investments in the firms secondary portfolios, including attendance at annual meetings

Necessary Qualifications:

• A minimum of 8+ years experience in an investment role, with a minimum of 3 years private equity/secondary related investment experience
• Outstanding academic record
• Significant experience performing complex financial analysis, modeling, and company valuations, including discounted cash flow and comparable company analyses
• Ability to conduct industry research, articulate opinions and write clear and concise memoranda on investment opportunities
• Strong written, oral communication, and interpersonal skills
• Strong interest and commitment to private equity investing
• Strong work ethic, professional demeanor and appearance
• Willingness to work 50+ hours / week, occasionally on weekends, and travel 10+% of time
• A team-oriented approach and an ability to interact productively within a diverse small company environment.

Please send your resume and cover letter to recruiting@hamiltonlane.com for consideration. If you would like more information on the position, please see Hamilton Lane’s website.

If you would like to have your job listing added here, please send an e-mail to Theo@PEblogger.com

Tags: Private Equity jobs, private equity job opportunities, private equity job listings, buyout jobs, alternative investments jobs, alternative jobs

Private Equity 2008

Private Equity Hiring Trends for Spring 2008

Tags: private equity jobs, private equity 2008, private equity career, private equity 2008 report, private equity careers, private equity job data

Private Equity Job Board

Explaining How to Use Private Equity Job Board

From Private Equity Jobs.com, article source

Tags: private equity jobs, private equity job board, private equity job website, private equity jobs, private equity employment

Private Equity Recruitment

Finding a Private Equity Job Working with recruiters

From Private Equity Jobs.com, article source

Tags: Private Equity Jobs, Private equity job, private equity career, private equity jobs recruiting, private equity recruiters, private equity recruitment, private equity fund jobs

If you’re looking for a job in private equity, here is a great tool.

Private Equity Jobs Database tracks hundreds of private equity jobs and is routinely updated and monitored. In addition, it lists profiles of major private equity recruiters and has a number of resource links. Basic access is free and upgrading to premium is $60 for three months (with a 100% money back guarantee).