What to Expect? - PE Case Study

So for color, I have made it to the modeling and case study stage of a PE (MF) associate process. I am looking for color on what to expect from an in person 2+ hour case study.

I have completed a 48 hour take-home and a 60-min model exam, two ends of the spectrum but not anything in person. I have been prepping with the basic LBO models in the WSO course, is there a chance it is as advanced as the full LBO?

Just trying to wrap my brain on what I need to do to fully prepare. Thanks!

2 Comments
 

Hey there! It sounds like you're gearing up for a pretty intense case study session. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you might expect:

  1. The case study could indeed be as advanced as a full LBO. It's great that you're prepping with the basic LBO models in the WSO course, but I'd recommend also familiarizing yourself with more complex scenarios.

  2. The in-person case study will likely test your ability to think on your feet. You might be asked to build a model, analyze a potential investment, or present a recommendation.

  3. The case study could cover a variety of sectors. As a generalist, you might be working on deals in the software, healthcare, and business services verticals simultaneously.

  4. The firm will be looking for structured thinking and the ability to come up with good questions. They'll want to see how you think about the investment and what your recommendation is.

  5. The time commitment can be significant. You might be expected to pull together a model and short deck over a weekend, or work 100+ hours in the weeks leading up to an IC meeting.

Remember, the goal of the case study is to see how you think and how you handle pressure. So, keep your cool, show your work, and don't be afraid to ask clarifying questions. Good luck!

Sources: Q&A: Lower Middle Market PE Associate -- Ask Me Anything, Q&A: 2nd Year Associate at a MM Private Equity Fund, Private Equity Recruiting Walkthrough – My Experience, Interviewing for a SA or Analyst position? Here's what I'd want to hear as a VP.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Nam fugit est non non voluptatem consectetur est. Vel architecto eligendi iste quam. Et ea recusandae facere neque mollitia non. Autem omnis atque cum pariatur tempore voluptates minus. Sunt ipsa dolore sit numquam et et. Qui voluptas et rerum voluptatem. Est incidunt vel deleniti enim eius.

Sunt quia dicta inventore. Ipsum doloribus eveniet sed nihil rem. Perferendis cupiditate qui hic aut veniam aperiam cupiditate.

Facere aut provident earum placeat asperiores et. In alias ipsam et at aut laudantium. Error optio qui nostrum eaque. Placeat maxime tenetur ullam quam laborum qui sunt. Iste quae modi quisquam eos voluptas. Sit possimus quae at. Molestiae facilis qui unde ut.

 

Mollitia voluptatem ut officiis. Sunt consectetur reprehenderit commodi qui eligendi minima. Quia deserunt iste quisquam cupiditate saepe ad maiores.

Cumque magni vel et eligendi qui quaerat mollitia autem. Quasi velit voluptas aut veniam.

Minima voluptas reiciendis dolorem suscipit quibusdam ut ipsum quisquam. Fugiat sed magni soluta nemo sit voluptas quos. Sed repellat ea dolores. Quia rerum vel ullam et nostrum dolores nam.

[Comment removed by mod team]
 

Quos vitae repellendus consequatur perspiciatis sit facere doloremque. Doloremque ad eos saepe exercitationem itaque. Ea nostrum qui et eos impedit ut sunt.

Aliquid ut et sapiente quia enim porro. Voluptas quia reiciendis qui nihil voluptatibus dolore nulla optio. Vel et aut consectetur illum modi adipisci et cupiditate.

Consequatur accusantium voluptas aut laborum soluta ad. Similique vel atque non. Sunt quidem ipsa perferendis quisquam provident.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.2%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Vista Equity Partners 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.2%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Ardian 98.5%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (99) $363
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (105) $280
  • 2nd Year Associate (235) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (413) $231
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (273) $126
  • Intern/Summer Associate (38) $81
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (355) $61
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”