Switching from infrastructure PE to a traditional PE fund

Hey everyone. I've been a large infrastructure PE fund in Europe for the last 2 years as an associate, and I'm now looking to make the switch to a traditional private equity fund. I'm a strong performer and I'm on track for promotion, but I just find the companies we invest in (pipelines, storage tanks, roads, etc.) to be, frankly, boring. I knew this coming in, and I always had it in my mind that I could try and switch after having some experience under my belt. I think that time is now, and I'm getting traction with recruiters.

  • Does anyone have experience making this switch? 

  • How were you able to sell the fact that your skills were transferrable to a traditional PE fund? Ultimately, a large portion of the work is very similar (modelling, deal process, thinking through risks, etc.), but I presume I'll get some pushback on whether I can transition to looking at companies with riskier or more complex revenue/cost drivers. (I think part of proving I can make the transition will be through the case study rounds) 

  • Did you position any benefits of hiring someone with an infra background to the funds you interviewed? For example, in my mind, the modelling in infra is a lot more complex and technical, and the level of diligence we do is more meticulous (bigger focus on downside and making sure every assumption in a model is ticked off), so I can bring some of that skillset to a traditional shop.

 
Most Helpful

Illo non ex perferendis beatae nulla sed distinctio. Accusantium error quo amet eos quas atque est et. Tenetur consequatur quia et eveniet qui totam nihil.

Cum dolorem soluta illum. Omnis iusto eos dolorum nihil sed. Vero dolores laborum esse mollitia quos nihil corporis. Soluta est rem hic tempora ut a et vel. Quo laudantium voluptatibus consectetur et perferendis animi. Dolore eos vel atque beatae quia iusto.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.5%
  • Blackstone Group 99.0%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.4%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 97.9%
  • Bain Capital 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.5%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.4%
  • Ardian 97.9%
  • Bain Capital 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.5%
  • Bain Capital 99.0%
  • Blackstone Group 98.4%
  • Warburg Pincus 97.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (22) $569
  • Vice President (92) $362
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (91) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (206) $266
  • 1st Year Associate (387) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (29) $154
  • 2nd Year Analyst (83) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (246) $122
  • Intern/Summer Associate (32) $82
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (314) $59
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...”