To become a private equity manager, earn a finance or economics degree from a prestigious institution, gain professional experience, and consider earning an MBA or certification such as CFA or CPA. Top schools and networking are important, and on-the-job experience is critical.
To become a private equity manager, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree in finance or economics, preferably from a well-known and prominent institution. After completing your undergraduate degree, earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) will be advantageous in finding a position in a top company. Between earning your bachelor’s and master’s degrees, you should accumulate value in professional experience as an analyst or associate working in a private equity fund. Some aspiring private equity managers also choose to sit for the Certified Financial Accountant (CFA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.
As someone who wants to become a private equity manager, an important first step will be to enter and excel at a top institution known for its program of economics and finance studies. This includes Ivy League institutions in the United States, Oxford and Cambridge in England, St. Andrew’s in Scotland and schools of similar caliber around the world. These schools offer courses that teach the skills needed to become a private wealth manager, including portfolio valuation, diversified portfolio management, and optimal asset investing. In addition to these skills, these schools will provide you with a respected degree and a network of successful peers and alumni.
Your next step will be to attend one of the best MBA programs, which some argue is even more important than attending a well-known graduate school. Research graduate business programs that have a reputation for strong quantitative instruction. Your prospective business school should also have a track record for connecting students with private equity fund recruiters. During graduate school, you will have the opportunity to network with other smart financial professionals interested in private equity management.
Gaining experience in the field is critical to becoming a private equity manager. Learning on the job can be an excellent way to determine which funds are best suited for your clients’ assets. You’ll also experience firsthand the fast-paced, high-impact environment of a competitive private equity firm.
Private equity managerial positions are highly sought after, and candidates often try to gain professional certification to make themselves more attractive to employers. Some choose to take the CFA or CPA exam depending on their experience. Choose what’s best for you after assessing your skill set and willingness to study for a standardized exam.
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