What does product specialist really entails? This role seems like a writing role in the long run.

Hi guys, the nearest topic that I found through the search is wallstreetoasis(dot)com/forums/what-is-product-specialist and
wallstreetoasis(dot)com/company/partners-group/interview/product-specialist-investment-writer

Recently, I have progressed into the 2nd interview for the role of Private Equity Product Specialist. The job description is as listed:

Primary Task:
Thoroughly analyze portfolio developments and craft the language used to update investors through an iterative process that includes outlines, drafts and reviews with investment professionals globally, while keeping the development on a tight schedule
Provide compelling qualitative and quantitative reporting to investors through regular publications and general sales support material
Compose focused investment commentary through independent market research
Respond to client requests relating to assigned private markets investment programs
Take responsibility in projects to support the development and growth of the team
Oversee product compliance including proper documentation of processes and procedures

What we expect:
The ideal candidate should have a bachelor's degree in marketing, finance, economics, journalism, public relations or business administration
Applicants should have a minimum of 1-2 years of relevant experience or be able to demonstrate success within the writing field; recent graduates with related internship experiences will be considered
Strong communication skills (written and verbal), organizational skills and the ability to work under tight deadlines are essential
An understanding of the finance industry, and ideally private markets, would be an advantage
Candidates should be analytical, detail-oriented and able to pull together ideas to make a convincing argument
Proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint is also required

During the first interview, I was asked to write a commentary on the Fund's performance, like what are some of the developments and writing about recent news. It really sounds like Client services because it is kinda like quarterly reporting to the investors.

Anybody have similar experiences on this? Interested in finding out more about career progression and such.

Thank you

 

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The role you described is a writing position in the long run, exactly client services, financial reports, annual reports perhaps to clients. Monthly/quarterly updates on market performance depending on company. Career progression likely to remain the same scope, simply to what extent you as an analyst/associate have to do the bulk of the writing. Is this job what you are looking for?

I am interested to hear how long is the commentary you were asked to write, and you mention about recent news as well how did you link it back to the fund. Most client services reporting writing usually limit to company's performance alone.

 

The commentary is based on a case study. The first essay is more of like reporting what are the newly acquired companies, business model, some financial ratios, ending off with future direction of the fund. There is also a test on fund ratio calculation, which is quite different from public reporting standards.

As for the recent news, it is actually depending on the case study. The case I had was a real transaction previously. It will be something like the fund acquired this company, given some background details, you will need to write a short paragraph on the company, some of your general knowledge, like technology/clean tech/ fmcg, what are some of the competitive advantage.

 
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