How to Get a Job in Private Equity

This video is focused on getting a post-MBA or "partner track" job in private equity. Brett Lacher has secured jobs in private equity at the associate, senior associate and VP level. He also taught a course on the subject at Columbia University where he earned his MBA.

This video spends less time focused on the technical skill set required, which is generally the focus of the analyst / associate level interview, and more time on the interview process and networking required to secure a job at the senior associate / VP level.

Brett has offered to come back and do another interview to address any questions that viewers might have, so please feel free to comment below!

03:05 Interview Objective
03:40 Unique Parallel Between the Job and the Process
05:30 Types of Private Equity
06:20 The Right Fit (and Getting Comfortable Hearing "No")
07:22 How the Skill Set Evolves from Analyst to Partner
09:03 Partner Track Hire
10:56 Building the Model is the Base Requirement
13:10 Personal Preparation
16:44 Develop a Network of Private Equity Firms
18:25 Match Personal History with Fund Type
20:52 Cold vs Warm Emails and Introductions
24:15 How to Follow Up
25:25 200 Conversations to Get the Job
26:20 Email Tip: Google Snooze
26:41 Persistence Pays Off ("I never respond to the first email.")
27:50 The Private Equity Coffee Chat
29:50 Start 6 Months to One Year in Advance
30:28 One Pager
32:33 Actual Interview Preparation
33:51 The Value of Taking Notes
34:40 Turn an Interview Into Dialogue
35:18 Post-MBA Interview Format
39:53 Develop Questions for Each Interview
42:07 Interview Tips
45:41 Never Know When You Are Being Evaluated
46:30 Send a Thank You Note
47:38 Follow Up (The Same Way PE Professionals Follow Up on Deals)
51:53 Prime Your Mind
52:26 Know When to Take a Break and Rest
53:11 People Work VERY Hard to Get the Job
54:38 Post Job Offer
58:34 Leverage Offers to Get Offers
1:00:51 What to Do Once You Have an Offer
1:04:00 Dealing with Recruiters
1:05:52 Q&A

Private Equity Training:

Related: How I Got My First Job in Banking

[AbhishekSharma-mpzt]

Peter this interview with Brett is very informative and extremely useful. Please do more such interviews in the future if possible.

[johnr]

Getting to peek behind the curtains and look into the difference between pre-MBA and post-MBA/partner track interviews was incredible. Thanks Peter!

[janeswayne]

This video is so informational & useful. It really changes my mind about networking. I kinda know that networking shoulnd't be transactional but never really sure how to go about it the right way. This video offers so much insight as to how to network, and even the longer term benefits of networking that most people might not pay minds to

[anthonykaan]

This is great Gents, thank you. Networking, respectful of people's time and going at it are all vital to staying ahead. Thank you both again, stay blessed.

[spaceork]

Underrated video. Thank you for posting

[paulb]

Great interview. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.

[jayhoovy]

Can't wait to see more of your videos! Keep up the good work! Loved the concept and insights.

[shantbekarian]

This is beyond informational. Amazing channel Peter - looking forward to watching the other videos

[rosariogonzalezlamberta]

Felicidades Peter! Me gustó mucho muy interesante! Estamos pendientes para las próximas! Te mando un abrazo muy grande

[JamesonSharp]

By the way Peter... Love the Story about Arm Wrestling the Prospect Employee to give them the Job. LOL "That's awesome."LOL

[sheblalbatea]

Great answers and even greater questions

[vijaychouhan]

Excellent interview, really informative. Thanks very much for your efforts.

[mikoff]

Thanks for recommending this video Peter, very informative.

[uchennajochezokoro]

This interview is not just about Private Equity. I think a lot of networking tips are embedded here.

[sukhbirkapoor]

For individuals who have operational experience working with entrepreneurs and have been instrumental
In transformation of companies and it’s exit, what advise do you have for them to move to Private Equity world ? Thank for attention and hope to hear !

[karanbhardwaj]

Thanks for explaining in easy way... Can you please let me know what course or certificate should I do for growing in PE as I am from india and Charatered accountant

[neilknightley]

i think they are too nice to tell u that u wont get into private equity. forget it. if u do, they wouldnt have to watch a video like this tbh.

[Xez]

Don't do it. They will harvest your soul.

[dac]

Skip it. Make $10 million in crypto then life of the investments