19 Comments
 

At mega funds (MFs), the interview process typically involves multiple rounds, and the structure can vary depending on the firm. Here's a breakdown based on the most helpful WSO content:

  1. Number of Rounds:

    • Generally, there are 3-4 rounds of interviews.
    • The first round often includes a modeling test (e.g., a full 3-hour model or a shorter operationally focused test like a paper LBO).
    • Subsequent rounds include technical questions, case studies, and behavioral interviews.
  2. Speaking to MDs:

    • Yes, you typically speak to MDs or Partners after completing case studies or technical rounds. This is often part of the final stages of the process, where they assess your fit with the team and your overall candidacy.
  3. Final Rounds:

    • If you make it to the last round, it often involves a more informal setting, such as a dinner or a meeting with senior team members, including MDs or Partners. At this stage, you're usually 90% through the process.

Let me know if you'd like more details on any specific part of the process!

Sources: Q&A: 2nd year BA/A/AC at MBB going to UMM/MF in 2020, What are hedge funds interviews like?, Q&A: 3rd year analyst at a boutique PE fund in the SEA region, Q&A: 2nd year BA/A/AC at MBB going to UMM/MF in 2020

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

There is no standard. Every firm is unique and often varies even within a firm.

Generally, you start by meeting moreso mid-levels at the firm then expand up and down (to Principals/MDs and often Associates to learn more about culture/lifestyle) once you've moved your way through technicals (case study, modeling test, etc.).

There is no set process, but given PE is inherently committee/consensus-driven, firms usually try to get input from a broad swath of individuals on the team, so I'd usually expect at least one superday in there to maximize efficiency for the team.

 

Know someone did 15+ rounds during an offcycle process for a MF. It sounds like a lot but after the big case study round the rest were really just meeting with the seniors for vibe checks as opposed to real interviews 

 

Nostrum praesentium molestiae quidem necessitatibus itaque. Consequuntur porro et ut sed nobis incidunt. Molestiae praesentium enim ut sit. Optio corrupti non provident odio.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.3%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Vista Equity Partners 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Private Equity

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

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.3%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • Vista Equity Partners 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (98) $365
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (235) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (272) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (38) $81
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (356) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”