http:www.jobsearchdigest.com Learn more about what experience can be most helpful when entering the PE/VC field and how to leverage that experience.

1. Questions on
Private Equity Careers
Answers from Private Equity Insiders
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2. Moving into VC/PE
Q: How can a person with management consulting
background move into the VC/PE industry?
• Focus on skills that are very marketable
– Critical analysis of companies/industries
– Working with & presenting to management teams
– Team collaboration under pressure
– Modeling skills
• Carefully target firms for best fit
– Hands-on, operational approach to investing
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3. Legal Experience & PE Funds
Q: For PE/M&A attorneys breaking into PE Funds –
at what level should one apply? The process?
• Apply to position • Identify firms who
commensurate with will value law
experience experience
Associate: 2-4 yrs – Restructuring firms
Sr. Assoc/VP: 4-6 yrs • American Capital
• Gores Group
VP/Director: 6-10+ yrs
• Bayside Capital
• Sun Capital
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4. Portfolio Companies of a PE Firm
Q: How to break into the portfolio companies of a PE firm,
not just the firm itself?
• Identify target portfolio companies to
approach
• Build networked job search
– LinkedIn
– Alumni network
– Others with relevant contacts
• Check firm’s website for job leads
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5. Advantages for Entrepreneurs?
Q: Do entrepreneurs have an advantage to getting
into Private Equity?
No – but focus on marketable, tangible skills
such as:
– Maturity
– Ability to analyze markets & develop strategy
– Interpersonal skills
– Demonstrated passion for entrepreneurship
– Any industry expertise, especially in a “hot” sector
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6. Pursuing Pre-MBA Positions
Q: Does it make sense for MBAs to pursue pre-MBA
VC/PE positions?
• Pre-MBA positions
– looking for junior professional with 2-3 years investment
banking or consulting experience
• MBAs will not be considered
– May significantly reduce – or eliminate – being
considered for future appropriate level positions
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7. Biotech/Pharmaceutical Experience
Q: As a former biotech/pharmaceutical executive, what do
you suggest for moving into PE or VC?
1. Identify leading PE/VC firms that invest in
biotech and/or pharma
2. Build contact list connected to target firms
3. Research target firms to create personalized
approach
4. Reach out to contacts for introductions to
senior leaders at target firms
This strategy can be applied to anyone with industry
expertise seeking to transition to PE or VC
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8. Leveraging Sales Experience
Q: What advice do you have for leveraging experience as an
investment management sales executive looking for long only
investment management firms to raise capital for VC/PE/HF fund
looking to raise money in the US institutional marketplace?
• It may not be a good time to break into
this industry
• Consider the state of alternative
investment fundraising
• Identify “hot” sectors
– Focus on pitching to firms in these spaces
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9. Variety of Education and Experience
Q: I have education and experience, but none in IB, PE,
VC or HF? Is there hope for me?
3 years in
MA in
retail &
Management
consumer
& Finance
banking
BSc in
Run small
Accounting
consulting
(non-target
school) Build work firm
experience
to break
into PE/VC
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10. Thank You
Visit JobSearchDigest.com
for more information
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