PE Interview for Recent Grad

A contact of mine referred me to one of the partners at a firm in New York. HR contacted me to schedule an "exploratory" interview. I am scheduled to meet with several of the people who manage one of the firm's funds. I'm hoping to get some insight into this and learn about what to expect and how I should prepare. I'd appreciate any help.

Also, a little bit about me for some context, I recently graduated from a "non-target" school. My grades were decent (3.6-3.8), and I had an investment banking internship at an MM the summer before my senior year. Thanks!

 
Best Response

This will likely be improvised - they will start casually and see how in depth you want to drive the conversation. Since it isn't a structured interview, or an actual interview for an opening, you will probably be expected to take control of the conversation. Be prepared to show immense interest in their business.

Try and find out as much as possible about the firm and their mandate from your contact. Try and understand their business model, what types of companies target, their capital base, etc.

Also, dig back into the work you did in your internship. Be prepared for modeling and valuation questions just in case the conversation really does go in that direction. Show that you've done your homework and you have a solid understanding of the deal process.

You could go into this unprepared and probably still feel okay when you leave, since it isn't like they're going to grill you on one specific role. But that won't likely get you far. Better to be overprepared for the potential that lies in these types of meetings.

 

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