Senior Associate / VP Promotion Process

There is a baseline of competence that is expected of everyone in PE that is quite high and it’s really hard to differentiate on pure technical skill and work product. The biggest two areas where you can stand out are: 

• Public speaking / communication / polish - are you able to articulate yourself clearly. A lot of associates come off as very junior in how they communicate and clear lack of confidence with natural silence and pauses during discussions. Try and refine this skill as much as possible. 
• Likeability / Politics - Speaking generally and obviously there are some exceptions: It’s an old boys club and people will prioritize people who they like above even technical competence. Make no mistake, a small 15 person shop will have far more politics than a large organization because you’re working so much more intimately with all the people around you and there is no HR mandated standardized review process. You are constantly being judged and evaluated in every small interaction you have with a partner. If they like you, you’ll do well. If you rub them the wrong way you’ll be pushed out. Be a chameleon - dress the part, act the part, say all the right things about what you like to do and where you like to vacation. This business is about pattern recognition not uniqueness - you need to look and act like someone who resembles the partners. Service with a smile always. Never complain or say anything negative to any of your superiors (hint: that friendly VP isnt your friend and will back stab you if needed). Make sure you’re getting credit for everything you’re doing. Overcommunicate until you’re told not to. Act like you’re personally and intellectually deeply invested and engaged in every live deal (“Lean in” as they say). If you’re not willing to change yourself as a person and act like a perfect person from Greenwich to do this job, then reconsider if this career is for you.