16 Comments
 

I'm not in PE but shouldn't you focus on getting an offer from a BB first? Other than that the general sentiment seems to become a more "well rounded" individual i.e. not a finance drone. The better position your in at the BB the better your exit ops. One task at a time.

“The only thing I know is that I know nothing, and i am no quite sure that i know that.” Socrates
 

Hey man, I'm in the same position as you and while I'm currently enjoying senioritis this semester, next semester I plan on lightly studying-up on PE interview questions and lbo models, and increasing my study rate towards the end of the semester where college work should be pretty light. All the analysts at my firm said that PE recruiting will inevitably be hell given that you have to balance work/staffings and interviewing, but the analysts who had the smoothest process were the one who started preparing early and had a clear idea going in of what type of firms and strategy they were targeting (MF PE, Upper MM PE, Growth, VC etc.)

 
Best Response

Congrats on landing a FT seat. While it's good that you're thinking ahead about PE recruiting, there's not much you can accomplish right now (that is, between now and starting your analyst program) that'd give you an "edge". I would instead enjoy your last semesters of freedom before you dive into your 2-year grind as analyst. Only thing that does come to mind, and this is assuming you've got an easy final semester because you don't want your GPA slipping, is prep for and take the GMAT. You'll get it out of the way for later (I think test scores still remain valid for 5-years) and you'll still be in the academic mindset / setting.

You're primary focus, which will aide you the most with PE, is being the best analyst in your group. Knowing all your deals inside and out, deliver rock solid / bust free numbers, and thinking proactively for your deal team. Good luck!

Ace all your PE interview questions with the WSO Private Equity Prep Pack: http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/guide/private-equity-interview-prep-questions
 

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