That is a great question, and I don’t have an immediate answer for you. The large banks all have internal private equity and alternative asset groups, but I believe they’re a bit more constrained in their strategies vs. the external/dedicated PE firms. But I’ll see if we can cover this distinction in the future.

On this note of asset management, would you mind explaining to me how (if at all) alternatives asset management (specifically GS/JPM alternatives AM “private equity group”) is different from your general _____ Private Equity Analyst?

I just find it confusing because I see people on LinkedIn who are ____ Private Equity Analyst, but I never see anything on the websites to apply for where it is just “Private Equity Analyst.”

Thank you :)

Good question. I’m sure that some people have gotten into PE from an insurance or reinsurance background, but I’m not sure how common it is because most insurers tend to focus on public markets investing (stocks/bonds) rather than deals and control acquisitions.

I think you have the right idea with focusing on something like real estate or infrastructure where sector knowledge/specialization counts for a lot, so that is probably the best approach. Blackrock and SWFs might be harder unless, again, you focus on something like RE or infra where the specialized experience is important.

For instance, having property valuation experience and risk management for underwriting in a famous insurance company, also working with Blackstone for property valuation of their insured collaterals.

Do you believe these experiences can make it possible to move for Private Equity (especially in areas like real estate, infrastructure, or insurance)?

What about moving to other kinds of investment companies like Blackrock or SWF?

I think it will be very difficult to go from a boutique bank in Brazil directly to any type of PE role in London, especially if you’re applying remotely. You would be better off doing one of the following:

1) Win a PE offer in Brazil at a larger firm that has a presence in other countries and ask about transferring to London/Europe after a year of working ther.e

2) Transfer into IB in London, gain some experience there, and then use it to recruit for PE.

Im Brazilian and want to relocate to London within the next 1-2 years. 3,5yrs experience in a very small M&A boutique (max trx size closed ~USD 200mi) but which was also sponsor of an unsuccessful Latam SPAC (reason why I stayed for so long, along with the amazing relationships). Always reported to MDs (former bulge-bracket Latam heads) as kind of sole junior person in the team responsible for models, materials, etc so got deeply comfortable reading and building them.

Im definitely untraditional but that said I did have a chance to analyse 90+ targets (obviously not all that in depth) and conduct a few DDs on the Spac front (which has been our #1 effort over last couple yrs). Comfortable with high-level market/company discussions and can elaborate on why a number of our target deals didnt work, granted I have time to revisit and prepare in advance

Engineer from top #1 school in Brazil with a double degree from very premium eng school in Europe (very solid education-wise unless recruiter is ignorant on relevant schools abroad)

2 questions: (1) is it realistic for me to take shots at off-season London linkedin positions ? (I read the London PE article which btw is just as thorough as this – thanks) and (2) do you think a stepping-stone strategy, transitioning to PE while still in Brazil to only then aim at UK based positions after say 8-14 months, would make sense/be my best shot ? (Considering you emphasized both in the article and in some of the answers that the earlier the better for that transition to take place)

Again, thanks so much for the insightful info you always put out here and hope to hear back soon. Cheers!

It’s unlikely unless you have marketed yourself as having had deal experience.

I would recommend reading this article about the PE recruiting process in London for some tips:

https://www.mergersandinquisitions.com/london-private-equity-recruiting/

The process is quite different there, and you normally need a few years of IB experience first to have a good shot. Some people do get in via Big 4 experience, but banking is still the recommended path in.

You’re not giving me any real information, so I can’t answer your question. This is like asking, “I want to apply to a university in California. What are my chances of getting in?” I can’t say because I don’t know your grades, activities, recommendations, test scores, goals, etc.

If you want an answer, please describe where you’re currently working, your geography, undergrad GPA/school reputation, deal experience, etc.