How do I speedrun preparation for a PE internship interview

To speedrun your preparation for a PE internship interview, here's a focused game plan based on the most helpful WSO content:

1. Understand the Basics of Private Equity

• Familiarize yourself with what private equity is, how it works, and the firm's investment strategy (e.g., growth equity, LBOs, etc.).
• Review the firm's website and recent deals. Pay attention to industries they focus on and the size of their investments.

2. Prepare for Behavioral Questions

• Common behavioral questions include:
  • "Why private equity?"
  • "Tell me about yourself."
  • "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
  • "What makes you a good teammate?"
• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Make sure your stories highlight problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership.

3. Brush Up on Technical Knowledge

• While your interview may lean behavioral, it's wise to know the basics of:

  • LBO Modeling: Understand the concept of leverage and how private equity firms use debt to enhance returns.
  • Key Metrics: Learn about EBITDA, IRR, and multiples like EV/EBITDA.
  • Investment Analysis: Be ready to discuss historical and projected growth, customer/product diversity, and differentiating factors of a business.

• If you're short on time, WSO offers a Free LBO Modeling Test with a video solution and modeling file. This can give you a quick overview of what to expect.

4. Research Industry Trends

• Skim daily/weekly digest sources like:
  • Morning Brew
  • PE Hub Wire
  • Pitchbook News
  • Wall Street Journal
• Focus on trends relevant to the firm's target industries.

5. Prepare Questions for the Interviewer

• Show genuine interest by asking thoughtful questions, such as:
  • "What differentiates your firm from others in the private equity space?"
  • "What qualities do you look for in successful interns?"
  • "Can you share insights into a recent deal and what made it attractive?"

6. Leverage Resources

• Use WSO's Private Equity Resume Template to ensure your resume is polished.
• Review the Private Equity Interview Questions - 13 Topics to Know thread for a deeper dive into potential questions and case studies.

7. Practice Confidence and Clarity

• Practice answering questions out loud to build confidence.
• Be concise and articulate in your responses.

By focusing on these areas, you'll maximize your preparation in a short time. Good luck—you've got this!

Sources: Private Equity Interview Questions - 13 Topics to Know, Private Equity Interview Questions - 13 Topics to Know, Q&A: Associate at MM Private Equity fund, Got this task during an Private Equity internship interview, how to handle it?, IBD Interview Question: How to prepare for market trend question?