PE Job Requirements

I have just started as an Advisory (consulting) Associate in a Big 4 firm in Ireland (age 23). A bit of background on me: I completed an undergrad in Ireland followed by a Masters in Accounting (both in top Irish universities but nothing too recognisable worldwide) I am studying for the accounting ACA qualification which I will get at the end of 2017 (assuming I pass). I am also considering going for the CFA® , starting with level 1 when I get my ACA.

I have an interest in PE and I guess I'm just looking for some advice as to what I should do with myself now that will make me more employable in that field down the line. I am aware that an MBA is needed but what else should I focus on over the next few years of my career.

I know PE firms usually hire investment bankers but the market in Ireland seems less competitive than the US, however it is also much smaller with less opportunities.

I could try get a bit of work in corporate finance through my Big 4 role at the moment.

I guess I'm just looking for any advice in this area as I am just starting out.

Thanks

2 Comments
 
Best Response

I am very interested in this myself as I find myself in a similar situation. I am a first year associate on a rotational advisory programme at an accounting firm in London. The programme consists of a year each in consulting (where I am now), corporate finance and insolvency and investigations. During the three years I am also studying towards the ACA.

My plan is to get transactions experience during my time in my current role as well as the ACA and when I eventually move back home to Scandinavia, look to get a role at a MM PE house.

Does anyone have any comments on the feasibility of this?

 

Sequi animi deserunt ullam eveniet dolorum. Ut labore qui magni ipsa. Non sit asperiores est sed quis qui. In amet at accusantium.

Dignissimos et quasi numquam quia voluptate nisi impedit eligendi. Corporis consequatur voluptas optio nihil nulla maxime qui. Maxime facere omnis tempora doloribus saepe quasi. Et vel ex quis a. Et voluptatem voluptatem et quo debitis et distinctio. Dolor fugiat illum temporibus ea quae sunt.

Quas alias assumenda ipsam quia qui eos officia. Reiciendis non ab qui quia ab eveniet vitae. Ratione neque qui doloribus consectetur ducimus qui. Expedita ut veritatis iure nostrum. Velit assumenda mollitia dicta iure.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.3%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Vista Equity Partners 98.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Private Equity

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

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.3%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.2%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (100) $364
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (106) $280
  • 2nd Year Associate (236) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (414) $231
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (274) $126
  • Intern/Summer Associate (40) $79
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (357) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
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...”