How to go for Apollo?
Context - Semi-target college, excellent GPA, coverage at GS/MS
I'm trying to learn more about how on-cycle works, and I want to swing for Apollo, either buyout or HV. I know they get a lot of flack on this site but I honestly think the deals they do are badass.
Anything I should do in particular to get in the interview room with them? I hear they like finance machines which is doable
Also, is "semi-target" gonna be a problem?
If you are coverage at GS you have a pretty good shot, especially if you're in FIG or TMT. MS coverage I'm not as familiar with on the exits but I'm sure it's possible - but obviously not ideal. I'm sure it's pretty easy to look up the Apollo incoming associate class and where they come from, and legacy begets more legacy. I was in GS FIG a while back and we sent ~2 kids to Apollo PE every single year, and the principals/senior associates that went would always ping the chill VPs in the group they used to work with about certain candidates.
Semi-target doesn’t matter. Apollo is less of a prestige whore. Had good people get in from U Michigan - probably worst school from people I personally know from my old group that went to Apollo. (Although maybe idk what constitutes a semi-target anymore)
Some kid from a non target in Canada is at Apollo they definitely don’t care about school
In Canada at least the school is a target now
are you referring to ubc?
Are referring to Waterloo? Academically speaking, it is most likely the best school in Canada so not really a non target.
What about from JPM?
Curious
Thank you!
How about GS coverage but not TMT FIG
Sell your soul and become a master of the universe
Game plan
Amen 🙏
How about GS product group?
why limit yourself to just apollo though. would have understood better if you said MF/UMM instead. dont fully know your motives but prestige whoring is not the way and glorifying a single firm always hurts more than it helps
Why assume he's limiting himself? All he said was that he wants a shot at one roll in particular. If he has the chops to shoot for Apollo just about every other ASO role in PE is up for grabs.
90%+ of when someone says prestige whoring is not the way it's just the self-justification someone who can't get a shot at the high prestige roles in the first place is telling themselves to feel better. PE is an industry where optics and the perception of the person on the other side of the table is one of it not the most important variable to solve for, and it OP has a shot at giving himself the best base to start building onto it would be irresponsible of him not to try and take the shot.
GS Natural Resourcss
I'm very involved in recruiting at Apollo. The most significant hurdle is actually convincing Ratio that you deserve an interview. It requires doing homework on what makes Apollo different than BX, KKR, etc. and maybe 1-2 deals we've done recently. Once you make it to the interview stage, it's pretty standard from there. The interviews will be challenging and very technical. Then comes the case study / modeling test, where you'll need to demonstrate a bit of speed, lots of accuracy, and a bit of poise/maturity in demonstrating what the business does, how it makes money, what price you'd pay, and whether you think it's a good fit for Apollo's strategy. Strong performance across these hurdles will set you up well to get an offer. All of this overlaps with the interview processes of other funds, but the slight difference is that Apollo is relatively more focused on technicals than other firms and less focused on how you think about an industry / growth / risks.
If I am an analyst at PJT/Evercore secondary advisory, do you think I have a shot at PE or the hybrid group?
I'm not sure what "secondary advisory" means. If you're in a traditional investment banking team at PJT or Evercore, you will get a serious look from Ratio (but will still need to convince them on the "why Apollo" topic). If you're in something that is not traditional investment banking, it's a long putt.
Curious, if at structured finance/acquisition finance at GS/MS/JPM would I get a shot? Or do I need to move into coverage first?
Thanks
Almost certainly you would have to move to coverage 100%. Structured finance doesn’t have great exits almost anywhere even if you’re at GS unfortunately.
Someone mentioned that they take it lighter on Women / URM is this the case?
Hey I’m OP, can we PM? I have a couple quick questions
Incoming top group at LAZ/MOE. Also top of class from super target.
How would chances look like at APO for on-cycle relative to other top groups on the street?
Thanks for taking the time.
Obviously that's a great starting point for any PE job, including at Apollo. Still need to get through Ratio though.
congrats on moelis
Really the best advice on how to get the shortlist. Do a deep dive on all available data on their latest transactions (read filings, news runs, ER reports pre-transaction for target companies, books like Caesar’s Palace, etc) to get a feel on how they think about investing. If you’re at a BB, going through the consol deal folders for non-restricted files also helps :) All of this is above the usual technical prep Managed to standout from other candidates due to this (Partner’s feedback while giving the offer)
Sorry if this is a dumb question but what's "Ratio" ...? Is that a person?
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