How can I break into infra PE?

Hi everyone,

First year university student here.

I have luckily managed to secure a few summer internships after a countless interview and cold emails and decided that I will be doing PE at a small MM shop in the UK.

Does anyone have any advice on how I can leverage that going into my second year and applying for other PE firms? I am specifically interested in infrastructure and energy.

Can anyone also give me any insights on which firms are good at infrastructure?

Thanks

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, breaking into infrastructure private equity (infra PE) as a university student involves a strategic approach to leveraging your internships and building a relevant skill set. Here’s how you can position yourself effectively:

  1. Maximize Your Current Internship: Use your time at the mid-market (MM) private equity shop to gain as much hands-on experience as possible. Focus on developing skills in financial modeling, deal analysis, and due diligence. These are crucial for infra PE.

  2. Network Intensively: Networking is key in the finance industry. Try to connect with professionals working in infra PE. Attend industry conferences, seminars, and workshops. Use platforms like LinkedIn to reach out to infra PE professionals for informational interviews.

  3. Academic and Extracurricular Focus: Take courses related to finance, economics, and particularly those focusing on infrastructure and energy sectors. Participate in relevant clubs and societies at your university that focus on finance or infrastructure.

  4. Target Specific Firms for Internships: For your next summer internship, aim for firms that specialize in infrastructure. Some of the prominent players in the infra PE space include:

    • Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets: Known for managing a significant amount of infrastructure assets globally.
    • Global Infrastructure Partners: Notable for large funds dedicated to infrastructure investments.
    • Brookfield Asset Management: Focuses on real estate, infrastructure, and renewable energy.
    • Amber Infrastructure Group: Known for investments in public infrastructure.
  5. Prepare for Interviews: As you apply for internships or roles in infra PE firms, be prepared to discuss why you are interested in infrastructure and energy. Be ready to talk about relevant projects or coursework. Understanding the basics of how infrastructure investing differs from traditional PE could be a significant advantage.

By following these steps and focusing on building relevant skills and connections, you can enhance your chances of breaking into infrastructure private equity. Remember, persistence and continuous learning are key in this competitive field.

Sources: Overview of Infrastructure Private Equity, Overview of Infrastructure Private Equity

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