Should I ask an equity L/S PM at my firm if I can do work for him in my free time?

I am currently in a middle office role at an asset manager with a broad alternatives footprint and am looking to move into an investment team. I have had a couple conversations with an equity long/short PM and was thinking of asking him if i could do some work for him in my free time. He's asked me what my thoughts were on companies in the past and, having graduated from a top university and worked in private equity, I think I could add some real value. Do you think this kind of inquiry is acceptable? If so, what kind of work could I do that would really benefit this lone PM?

3 Comments
 

I probably wouldn't state it outright, but I would do some research in your spare time and present it to him over lunch or something where your current co workers won't know what's going on. If it goes well, you can tell him that it seems interesting. And keep following up, eventually you can state your interest in a way that he wants to bring you over right away. It'll probably be a slow climb but do you want to work for him in that role or keep your current role?

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there" - Will Rogers
 

I don't think there is the opportunity for a role with him. I just want some experience in equity investing and, given that he is friendly, I think this would be a good way to gain exposure. I agree that I should prepare something to discuss, any advice on idea generation?

 
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