Advice For Pursuing A Career in PE

Question

Hello, 
I am about to graduate high school next month and I’m extremely interested in personal equity, specifically as an associate. I am very aware that this is a very sought after field. Do you have any advice for an incoming college freshman? I am planning on going to UCI to major in economics. What steps can I take to prepare my self early on and is there anything that you wish you’re really told at this age? I know that I have a long ways to go, but my goal is to gain as much exposure as possible! Looking forward to your response!

earthwalker7 · Accepted Answer

there are few/no internships for undergrads. You need to do banking first. I cannot imagine anyone at a PE shop giving you any real work until you know the basics. No one has time to train you on the basics.  Internships at the MBA level post-banking are competitive enough. An undergrad wanting an internship is going to require an act of God.

And if you don't know that PE stands for PRIVATE equity, then you're miles from being ready to actually do the job. Like literally you're years away - which is fine, because you're just in high school.

SReaper · Answer

Step 1: Don't call it personal equity.

Next steps: Read up a bit more about the industry. Your view seems to be formed by someone telling you it's great to an associate in PE. Your career goal should be based on things that interest you, and then you can build a path towards it.

The goal shouldn't be a level (eg. associate), it should be an industry or specialism. A career in private equity is not focused on seeing the full spectrum of business operations and combining that with financial data.

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Advice For Pursuing A Career in PE

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Advice For Pursuing A Career in PE

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