Debunking the Common Myths While Securing A Job in PE or VC Firm

Securing a job in Private Equity (PE) or Venture Capital (VE) firms is an aspiration for several graduates and seasoned analysts as well. Landing in the best of Private Equity or Venture Capital job calls for a complete and professional knowledge in the domain.

However, there are certain myths spun around securing a job in either PE or VC firms. Let us understand a few common myths and debunk them here.

Myth#1: You get hired in PE or VC firms only if you know anyone from there

Knowing connections alone will never get you a job. It does not relate to PE/VC firms alone, but everywhere and for every domain. Remember that knowing people can never compensate for your lagging skills. In the cut-throat competitive world, you should be competent enough to beat other aspirants. It is not the names you know, but what you bring to the table that counts.

Myth#2: Your polished CV can get you a job in PE or VC firms

When your CV succeeds in getting the first round of interview, do not assume that you will get the job. Know how to contextualize your education and earned experience to answer the inevitable question “tell us something about yourself”. When they ask this, they are not concerned about your private affairs or previous experience, but interested in what you can do for them.

Myth#3: Recruiter turned you down means you are not qualified enough for the job

It may be that you are not qualified enough. But necessarily, it may not be. Though you may be the best modeler, many times it may not match with the custom requirements of the company that is hiring you. You may fit in some other firms and they are searching for a CV of your kind. There is nothing to get disheartened, but to carry on the search with positivity.

Myth#4: It is a White-male dominated profession

Though you may find blue-blooded Harvard and Yale men in the group, it is much more than that. To be precise, they are after hiring young talent from the industries in which the firm is investing or will invest. It could be an expert in the operations of healthcare insurance firms rather than who prepares a model for mergers and acquisitions. Talking about the business like a buyer (not the seller) is important. The logic is if you know the buyer, you can sell.

Myth#5: Recruiters want the correct answer in modelling test

Whenever you are asked to create a model in a given timeframe, it does not test capability under pressure or priority alone. It tests your understanding and humility too. Explain what you could add to it.

If you aspire to be the next pick in a PE or VC firm, earning the USPEC certification(s) provides you the knowledge of industry practices and standards. It assures potential employers about your capabilities.

You may visit https://www.uspec.org/ to know more details on certifications, and land yourself on your dream job successfully.