Private Equity Internship - London

Hi guys, I am about to graduate in engineering (MSc) from a top engineering school in Europe (think Oxbridge) and did an internship with a returning offer in a tier 1 consulting firm (MBB) - not London office though. I am really looking to break into PE - either long term post MBA or now by possibly doing an internship before coming back in consulting. Any advices in terms of how to leverage from my background (no IBD experience)? What is the best advice you would give me to find an itnernship position? Cold calling universities alumni/former MBB consultants and build a network? Any advice would be really much appreciated. Many thanks to those who want to give me a hand!

9 Comments
 

I would contact the firms that have internships available. Cinven e.g. does. Bridgepoint probably does. GS has internships in its MBD available. I know that PAI Partners does internships in other countries (might also do in London). etc. I think there are quite a few out there. Blackstone also sometimes offers off-cycle internships. most of them don't hand out return offers though.

 

Recruiting firms such as Dartmouth Partners recruit interns for some of the names mentioned above. Therefore, make sure you put your CV in front of them.

That said, my advice is to enjoy life, start at MBB, get your 2 years of experience and then recruit. Although having 1 internship in PE may help you on a CV profile (i.e. show your interest), it is not going to change your odds much. PE recruiting is all about getting 2-4 years experience in banking or consulting and networking with headhunters in 2-3 years so that they put your CV through the process.

I'm grateful that I have two middle fingers, I only wish I had more.
 

Est et corrupti temporibus voluptatum voluptatem vitae. Enim accusantium doloribus inventore sequi consequuntur reprehenderit.

Et perferendis et nihil adipisci quibusdam quia beatae. Dolorem ad sed saepe.

Neque tempora eius reprehenderit repellat. A aut laboriosam voluptatum. Fugit est est ducimus rerum impedit itaque omnis voluptas. Amet et repellendus est dolorem vero laudantium quia.

Et tempora aut alias laboriosam voluptas commodi. Architecto voluptatem dolor vel quod eligendi provident omnis blanditiis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 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

July 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

July 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

July 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (99) $363
  • 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...”