Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Private Equity Associates
For undergraduate students interested in finance, the "most coveted spot" is an analyst position at an investment bank, providing a strong foundation for lucrative careers in private equity, venture capital, or even starting a business—a path Jerry describes as "most profitable, but also most risky." Typically, a two-year stint as an analyst precedes further career choices.
Investment Banking, Private Equity, Venture Capital, Analyst Position, Finance
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jerry Zhou
Private Equity Associate
Apex Capital Growth Partners
UCLA, 2012
UCLA Anderson School of Management, MBA Candidate
Economics
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Entry-level positions in investment banking, such as analyst positions, are highly competitive but offer lucrative career paths.
2. Analyst positions typically involve a two-year commitment, after which individuals can explore options like private equity, venture capital, or starting their own business.
3. A career in finance offers various paths, including investment banking, private equity, venture capital, and entrepreneurship, each with varying levels of risk and reward.
Transcript
What intern-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student may consider?
For investment banking, the most coveted spot is the analyst position. This opens the door to many other lucrative career paths, such as private equity or continuing in investment banking. It can also lead to opportunities in VC or anything finance-related.
So, the analyst position is the most coveted and very competitive. Usually, you work two years in that position before deciding whether to continue in investment banking. You might also choose to jump into PE or VC, or something similar.
Alternatively, you could start your own business. This might be the most profitable, but also the most risky.
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