Mild Aspergers and Career in PE?
Hi guys:
Posting anonymously to get some advice from the community please...
Recently, I've been diagnosed with mild Aspergers as an adult. This is by no means a surprise to me - while I've been able to do really well in school (even including extracurriculars), interpersonal interaction has never been a strong suit for me. For example, when interacting with people or joining a new environment, I often have to observe the environment for a long time and think logically about the person and the situation. I prepare for all of my professional conversations (be it with peers, managers, external parties) with a question list, otherwise I would feel anxious. In dating, I'm also a late bloomer though I'm quite okay in an average way in looks (nothing stellar, nothing repulsive).
In terms of "outcomes", I've been able to get to what people consider to be "acceptable" by working very hard on my own. However, the social aspect really does not come naturally to me, even though most of my co-workers will just consider my social skill as average (if I did not try very hard, I'm sure I will be noticeably below average by a large margin).
With this diagnosis, it kind of answers a question that I always had. My question is - how do you think mild Aspergers mix with a long-term career in PE? I'm currently in year 2 at my fund, and would have opportunity to switch into HF/other paths if I want to. I like investing, and while no one has commented on my people skills yet, I find it a large part of struggle on my job (though I struggle silently and in my own time / space rather than in public). I think PE is not easy for anyone and frankly some senior people are probably more sociopathic than average, but curious on your thoughts given the situation.
Thanks!
Also, curious on whether you guys think people with mild Aspergers can success in distressed investing / special situations (wanted to avoid pure equity strategy due to the fund outflow and turnover). Thanks!
I think one of the challenges you'll face waiting for answers is that some users won't necessarily know what Aspergers actually is. Even if you google it, it is not imminently clear how it would present itself IRL. You tried giving examples of how you are managing the social situations you are in, which makes it more clear. But I honestly would struggle to give any further recommendations. Apologies.
In our funds most of the people we meet try to build a level of trust before they make decisions. The technical skill set is something a lot of people can produce and offer. The human interaction and the personalities behind the brand are what makes the difference.
As long as you can convey a level of trust and competence, you should be alright?
you'll fit right in
arent autists abnormally intelligent even though they act weird
I'm in the same situation as you. Undiagnosed but have long suspected myself to have some mild form of aspergers. Your description of your social interactions resonated so hard with me.
I'm currently entering my second year of PE as well and have thought about trying HFs because that's more intellect driven rather than social. Curious what others will chime in with, but I suspect this is something we have to sort out ourselves.
In my opinion though, I don't think people like us can succeed in the PE industry long-term unless we get lucky and find a really good personality fit somewhere at a small fund.
Original poster here - yes, I kind of agree with you @Evianstone.
Are there high functioning Asperger people on this board who's progressed through associate / vp / principal ranks who could share their experience please?
Thanks!
That’s literally like 60-70% of people I’ve worked with. Shouldn’t be an issue. Your post would put you in the “consciously incompetent” category, which IMO makes any situation manageable. It’s the unconsciously incompetent that would really be a problem. In other words, you’re aware of these limitations you have and you proactively try to counteract or offset them.
You'll make an elite large cap fund associate and do fine pushing processes as a VP. Tough to say from there.
Has anyone worked with a coach on team dynamics that's good? would appreciate any recommendations!
My observation is that there are many people with similar traits working in finance, including in private equity. Sometimes they bring unparalleled insights, able to perform detailed analysis, meticulously follow-up on issues and truly able to outperform others.
The trouble with private equity is that the more you climb your career ladder, the more you end up in 100% people business. Partners and MDs pretty much only manage people, meet management teams, have fundraising meetings... There is very little room for performing analysis and get into the intricacy of investing.
If this prospect seems uncomfortable, perhaps hedge fund investing, distressed, equity research or special situations might be a better fit.
Good luck!
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