Title: Just Got Into PE – Next Steps?
So, I recently landed a position at a PE firm, something I’ve been working towards for a long time. I’m excited to finally be here and grateful for everyone on this forum who helped me along the way.
However, I’m not in a corporate finance or deal side role as I had hoped. My position is in the operations department on a new team, where I’ll be assisting with financial analysis for the companies we work with.
I’m considering pursuing a CFA or a part-time MBA to further my career goals. What other steps should I be taking to move closer to where I want to be in the future?
Edit: I know I’m not in a traditional PE role, but rather focusing on operations.
One response
Congratulations on breaking into the private equity industry! It sounds like you are in a great position to start building your career in this field. Here are some suggestions for what you can do next:
Understand the Operations Department: Since you are in an operations department role, it’s important to fully understand the responsibilities and duties of this department within the PE firm. This will help you excel in your current role and also provide you with valuable experience that can be useful in the future.
Financial Analysis Skills: Since you mentioned that you will be doing some financial analysis on companies, it would be beneficial to continue to develop your financial analysis skills. This could include taking courses, attending workshops, or even pursuing a certification like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Career Goals: It’s great that you have a clear goal of transitioning into a corporate finance or deal side role within the PE firm. To work towards this goal, you can start networking within the firm, expressing your interest in these areas, and seeking opportunities to gain exposure to deal-making activities.
Further Education: Pursuing an MBA part-time can be a valuable option to consider, especially if you want to enhance your knowledge and skills in finance and management. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of this decision based on your career goals and current circumstances.
Continuous Learning: Stay proactive in seeking opportunities to learn and grow within the industry. This could involve staying updated on industry trends, attending relevant conferences or seminars, and networking with professionals in the field.
Overall, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your goals and the steps you need to take to achieve them. By continuously developing your skills, networking, and staying motivated, you can work towards your goal of transitioning into a corporate finance or deal side role within the private equity firm. Good luck on your exciting journey ahead!