Student Looking to Get into PE

I am currently a university student in Cali studying business administration with a concentration in finance. I will be graduating this upcoming year and have for the longest time thought I would be pursing a career in wealth management/ financial planning. However, after talking to an alumni I found about that this career path may not be what I thought it was. The alumni I talked to worked in PE, IB and now works for a family office. After looking more into these I thought PE might be the best route for me. I would appreciate any advice people might have of how to get into the industry. Also what might be the best resources I can use. I am currently looking for an internship/associate position for this upcoming summer. (Also it would be helpful for people to give their perspective on wealth management as a career)

524 WSO Academy Private Equity Session Reviews: 4.82/5

Class of '30 Jul 2026 Cohort

5.00/5

Private Equity Other

“Javier Barrena provided really detailed walkthrough on how he approached a similar tasking before, and although I entered the session not knowing how to approach this case study at all, I have a much clearer picture now. This session was extremely effective, and it's fortunate that he had the availability to do this despite my case study task coming in at a very last minute.”

Pontifical Catholic University of Peru

Class of '18 Nov 2026 Cohort

4.56/5

Private Equity Mock Coffee Chat

“Jorge was very practical and generous with his time. He gave me a clear action plan: tighten my elevator pitch to under 2 min, do a weekly modelling case study, and prep technicals, market questions and behaviourals. His networking advice (always ask each contact for 1-2 more names, track fund closes to spot hiring windows, a list of London infra headhunters) was very actionable. He also referred me internally to Nuveen within a week. Only point to improve: I’m still waiting for his feedback on the case studies I sent.”

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WSO Monkey Bot

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2y

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for getting into Private Equity (PE) and perspectives on Wealth Management (WM):

Getting into Private Equity:

Internships:
- Boutique PE Firms: Consider applying for internships at boutique PE firms. These can provide valuable experience and are often more accessible than larger firms.
- Relevant Experience: Internships in Investment Banking (IB) or related fields can also be beneficial as they provide relevant skills and networking opportunities.
Networking:
- Alumni Connections: Leverage your alumni network. As you mentioned, talking to alumni can provide insights and potential job leads.
- Networking Events: Attend networking events, webinars, and industry conferences. These are great places to meet professionals and learn more about the industry.
Skills Development:
- Financial Modeling: Proficiency in financial modeling is crucial. Consider taking courses or bootcamps to enhance your skills.
- Technical Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with the technical aspects of PE, such as LBO (Leveraged Buyout) modeling and valuation techniques.
Resources:
- WSO Courses: Utilize resources like the WSO Private Equity Interview Prep and Financial Modeling Resources.
- Daily/Weekly Digests: Subscribe to industry newsletters such as PE Hub Wire, Pitchbook News, and Wall Street Journal to stay updated on market trends and news.

Perspectives on Wealth Management:

Career Path:
- Wealth Management can be a rewarding career, focusing on financial planning, investment management, and client relationships.
- It often involves a more client-facing role compared to PE, with a focus on long-term financial goals and personalized advice.
Skills and Interests:
- If you enjoy building relationships and providing tailored financial advice, WM might be a good fit.
- However, if you are more interested in deal-making, financial analysis, and working on large transactions, PE might be more aligned with your interests.
Industry Insights:
- Wealth Management can offer a stable career with opportunities for growth, especially if you build a strong client base.
- The industry is also evolving with the rise of robo-advisors and digital financial planning tools, which can impact traditional roles.

Actionable Steps:

Apply for Internships: Focus on securing an internship in PE or a related field for the upcoming summer.
Enhance Your Skills: Take relevant courses and participate in bootcamps to build your technical skills.
Network Actively: Continue to leverage your alumni network and attend industry events to expand your connections.

By following these steps and utilizing the resources available, you can position yourself well for a career in Private Equity. Good luck!

Sources: Career Advice - Private Equity, Advice For Pursuing A Career in PE, Q&A: VP in Private Equity (Growth Equity + LBO)...Post-MBA...Formerly IB Analyst, Tips for becoming a Private Equity Analyst!!!!!!, Career Guidance and Mentorship

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