Buy side with no modeling exp

Hello all, I am wondering how feasible it is to pursue private equity and growth equity associate roles coming from a finance background with limited modeling experience. I work in ECM covering fintech and eventually would like to transition to fintech investing. Is it possible to attain without a stint in coverage or an MBA program? Is there value to joining a start up for a couple years before returning to buy side recruiting?

4 Comments
 

Every reputable shop will have a model test component to their hiring process. So, without modeling experience, it's just simply not possible to obtain the job let alone do it without investing time and energy in learning how to do it. Wall Street Prep has great courses as well as others like those offered through WSO. It's hard to train by yourself though, so I think just doing your time in coverage is probably the best course of action.

 

This is true. But I’d add real job modelling is a lot harder than almost all modelling tests you ever do. However I know people that have scraped through the test and gone on to flourish because they have other qualities and learn fast. There’s lots of people who go into buyside from transaction services who will have little to no modelling skills.

 

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