State-funded GIC or Temasek Roles in NYC?

Based on previous WSO threads, here's what you need to know about working at GIC or Temasek in NYC:

Culture and Work Environment:

• Brand Name: Both GIC and Temasek are highly regarded names in the industry.
• Investment Approach: GIC tends to focus more on co-investing, where much of the due diligence (DD) and analysis is already done by the lead sponsor PE firm. Temasek, on the other hand, is more active in lead investments.
• Work Experience: The experience can vary. Some find the slower, more methodical approach of these firms less enjoyable compared to faster-paced environments.
• Language Requirements: You don't need to speak the native language of the country the SWF represents. Many employees in the NYC offices are Americans or fluent English speakers from other countries.

Career Development:

• Reputation: These firms are not poorly regarded and can be considered roughly analogous to megafunds in terms of business school admissions and career progression.
• Compensation: Unlike general partners (GPs), you won't get carry in the fund. Compensation might include phantom equity or discretionary bonuses similar to those in hedge funds.
• Promotion Trajectory: The title growth may not be as predictable as in the sponsor universe due to the longer-duration mindset of these firms.

Additional Insights:

• Investment Focus: Both GIC and Temasek invest across various industries and tend to focus on more mature companies compared to other funds like the SoftBank Vision Fund.
• Work-Life Balance: The work-life balance can be more favorable compared to traditional investment banking roles, but this can vary depending on the specific team and role.

If you have ties to Singapore but plan to stay in NYC, these roles can offer a prestigious and rewarding career path without the need to relocate.

Sources: SoftBank Vision Fund / GIC / Temasek, Q&A: From State School to MM IB Vice President Without an MBA, Kennedy School of Government (and schools of the like), Let's Talk Saving, What's the latest on Temasek / GIC?