Vista Lateral Associate

Interested in lateraling to Vista Austin / Chicago. From a generalist IB + consumer (some consumer tech / internet) UMM/MF PE background (2+1). Can anyone comment on their lateral interview process? Do candidates still take the CCAT? Would I have to start over as Associate I (assume yes, I have little software experience)? Primary drivers for the move are (i) geography, (ii) longer term, career oriented nature of the associate role there, (iii) recent interest in tech coming from a consumer angle (want to learn more about SW before I commit to recruiting). Thank you

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I interviewed for an experienced role with Vista and ultimately declined it. My career has gone very well regardless, but I do regret turning it down. 

The IQ test is simple if you are smart and test well. They liked knowledge of trends in tech, both from a standpoint of new tech advancements to general market trends. 

I get the sense that the lateral is starting over, which I was hesitant to do but I think is smart because you get a do-over. Careers are long and starting with 1y experience in an ASO program is actually a bit of a super power, plus you get to build tech diligence skills from the ground up. 

Plus, if you don't stay, I have been amazed by the talent diaspora from Vista. Pretty remarkable in tech investing seats. 

The con to the process was sometimes they try to be over-smart and take things seriously at VP+, but I got the sense there was good camaraderie amongst associates.

And maybe you are not allergic to them taking it so seriously, I kind of take the standpoint that this is all stupid "fun with numbers" B/S anyway and unless you're in their smallest fund, you don't actually do anything for management except be a capital markets stepping stone.

 

Fairly simple, my process was started via a headhunter reaching out. So far I have spoken with a Senior assoc and a VP on the team. I’ve been given indications that a super day will occur sometime by the mid / end of May with an offer coming by Memorial Day weekend. Super day to occur in NYC even though the position would be in Austin. Feel free to PM me although I am fairly blind going into all of this.

 

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