top of page
Chihiro, Private Equity Director at ZT Corporate: Advize Career Interview
A career in private equity offers dynamic, fast-paced work and the chance to be a "connector," facilitating valuable relationships between people and resources.
Early career exploration, even seemingly unrelated roles, combined with proactive networking, can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Success requires strong interpersonal and analytical skills, a willingness to work hard and travel extensively, and the initiative to create value in a role where responsibilities are not always clearly defined.
Entry-level positions often begin with internships, progressing to junior analyst roles involving significant operational tasks.
While a prestigious education is helpful, actively creating opportunities and taking calculated risks are paramount.
The greatest regret of this Private Equity Director was not proactively seeking mentorship early on, highlighting the importance of networking and informational interviews to discover career paths.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Chihiro Kurokawa
Private Equity Director
ZT Corporate
UC Berkeley
UCLA; MBA
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Business Management & Admin
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Immigrant
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path of a New Graduate at an Insurance Company
Chihiro's early career began with an undergraduate job doing "data entry and general administrative work," which, while not directly career-related, led to proactive networking with alumni, ultimately resulting in a post-graduation role in the insurance industry despite initial interest in environmental consulting. This highlights the value of early career exploration and proactive networking in shaping career trajectory.
Main Responsibilities of a Private Equity Director at ZT Corporate
At ZT Corporate, Chihiro, a Private Equity Director, focuses on sourcing investors for the firm's investments in healthcare, auto dealerships, and commercial real estate. Chihiro explains that "we buy businesses...where we believe we can improve that business and improve its profitability," attracting investors seeking diversification beyond traditional stock and bond portfolios.
A Day In The Life Of A Private Equity Director At ZT Corporate
A Private Equity Director's day at ZT Corporate involves a blend of "outreach" to potential investors via various methods—LinkedIn, emails, calls—and administrative tasks for existing investors. This role, cultivated over eight years in the investment industry, also includes contributions to marketing materials, legal contract work, and strategic firm discussions.
Most Important Skills for a Private Equity Director at ZT Corporate
Chihiro, a Private Equity Director, emphasizes the importance of strong interpersonal skills, highlighting the need for "a willingness to…shake a lot of hands, meet a lot of people," to build and cultivate client relationships. However, analytical skills are equally crucial for understanding "how deals are structured and how returns are achieved," demonstrating the multifaceted nature of the role.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Private Equity Director At ZT Corporate
Chihiro, a Private Equity Director at ZT Corporate, finds the most rewarding aspect of the role is "being a connector," facilitating valuable connections between people and resources; this includes connecting potential clients with investments and, as illustrated by a recent example, linking a doctor starting a gym with a relevant software developer, thereby adding value beyond direct investment opportunities.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Private Equity Director at ZT Corporate
Chihiro, a relatively new Private Equity Director at ZT Corporate, cites the biggest challenge as "building credibility with a potential investor," especially given their recent tenure and needing to establish their expertise in healthcare investments within the firm. This involves overcoming perceptions of limited experience by highlighting the firm's strong track record and leveraging the extensive experience of colleagues.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Private Equity Industry As A Private Equity Director
Chihiro, a Private Equity Director at ZT Corporate, appreciates the "dynamic" and "fast-paced" nature of their smaller company, contrasting it with previous roles in larger corporations where responsibilities were "very highly defined." This current position allows for "versatility and freedom" to be "creative and resourceful" in value creation, a key aspect of their enjoyment.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Private Equity Industry, According To A Private Equity Director At ZT Corporate
Chihiro, a Private Equity Director, highlights the demanding yet rewarding nature of the industry, emphasizing the need for flexibility— "work honestly can happen at any time"— and a willingness to work "when and wherever that's necessary." Extensive travel is also a significant aspect of the role, with Chihiro citing examples ranging from due diligence to investor events.
What A Private Equity Director At ZT Corporate Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Private Equity Industry
Chihiro, a Private Equity Director, reveals that the role's day-to-day tasks are "not necessarily super clearly defined," requiring initiative and resourcefulness to "create value" for the firm and clients. This lack of explicit direction means success hinges on being an "enterprising person" who proactively identifies and prioritizes tasks, a crucial insight for prospective candidates.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Private Equity Directors
The most common entry-level path into private equity is through internships, as illustrated by ZT Corporate's recent hires. A typical junior analyst, perhaps two years removed from undergraduate studies, handles a significant amount of operational work, such as creating "a comprehensive portfolio" for clients detailing investment history and returns.
Significant Career Lesson From A Private Equity Director At ZT Corporate
Chihiro, a Private Equity Director at ZT Corporate, learned that "nothing's really given to you," even with a prestigious business school background like Anderson. This realization spurred a career philosophy centered on actively creating opportunities and capitalizing on those that arise, emphasizing that the regret of a missed opportunity outweighs the consequences of a failed risk.
College Experiences That Helped A Private Equity Director At ZT Corporate Succeed
Chihiro, a Private Equity Director, surprisingly reveals their biggest regret was not seeking mentorship during undergrad, advising students to "reach out to 10 people" on LinkedIn for informational interviews to discover career paths. This proactive approach, which they did not take, would have provided much earlier direction and ultimately contributed to greater career success.
Advizer Personal Links
instagram.com/cgkurokawa, linkedin.com/in/cgkurokawa
bottom of page