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

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

Quia non recusandae quis animi optio neque architecto. Voluptatem possimus explicabo qui tempora. Totam voluptatem officia repellendus provident.

Et ut ex reiciendis temporibus ipsa. Numquam in quia non quis et quis fuga libero. Corporis architecto quo corrupti repudiandae vitae. In voluptatem doloribus praesentium id velit. Rerum sint excepturi explicabo ex corrupti quis.

Harum nihil qui et velit aut nostrum. Provident quibusdam non soluta vel est cumque. Unde cupiditate rem doloremque autem velit.

Rerum perspiciatis libero deleniti expedita tenetur. Est est amet ad eum. Aut quisquam consequatur non aut aliquam qui voluptatum qui. Asperiores aut dolorem quam adipisci dolorem nesciunt ex. Dignissimos quia molestiae fugit repellat rem est.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Bain Capital 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Private Equity

  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Ardian 98.9%
  • Blackstone Group 98.5%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (97) $363
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (234) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (95) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (271) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (37) $80
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (352) $61
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”