Just how important are modeling skills to getting a PE job? Specifically in the lower MM?

TheKing — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:20:53 -0400

I just finished my first year at a top MM, pretty substantial deal experience, decent modeling experience, but not too much in terms of crazy LBO modeling. My question is the following:

Exactly how important are modeling skills for PE? Specifcally middle-market PE (think firms in the $300M - $800M range). I've got a fair amount of modeling experience, but I'm worried I won't be competitive due to a lack of LBO modeling skills.

However, I would think that substantial deal experience and general modeling abilities would help make up for that. Furthermore, I work in a specific, targeted industry group and intend on focusing on PE shops that have the same focus, so I assume that would help my chances as well.

Any input would be appreciated.

Enso Capital - Any Thoughts?

TheKing — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 20:20:34 -0400

Anyone know anything about Enso Capital? Reputation, pay, what sort of qualifications it takes to work there?

Any help is appreciated.

Long/Short Hedge Fund --- Qualifications vs. PE

TheKing — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:52:38 -0400

I'm currently a 1st year analyst at a top middle market bank (think HLHZ, Jefferies) doing M&A, mostly sell-side. I've pretty much come to the conclusion that I don't enjoy the deal aspects of my job and want basically nothing to do with PE after my analyst stint...in fact, I'm not sure I ever want to look at another CIM again after my analyst stint, hahaha.

Business Development

TheKing — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:37:10 -0500

So, how does one actually go about getting into a business development type position. I don't even necessarily mean internal M&A with a big corporation. I'm talking more about working for a company and developing new business.

ie.) Working for a military contractor and lobbying for new contracts

or

New Forum Suggestion

TheKing — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:32:28 -0500

The one thing I think the site lacks is an "Industry" forum. Meaning, a place for monkeys who are thinking about something other than HF/PE/VC/etc. after doing an analyst stint. I personally don't know much about how one would even go about that as it is somewhat less traditional, I suppose.

Otherwise, the site is great, keep up the good work.

Hitting the wall

TheKing — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 10:45:13 -0500

I don't know about other analysts, but has anyone hit the proverbial wall? It's around 6 months in, and I just find myself tired, unmotivated and lacking an interest in work. I feel like this is somewhat normal, but I want to get others views on things. Not to mention, things are definitely slowing down a bit as the market hasn't been so hot.

Most complex model you've ever built

TheKing — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 14:09:52 -0500

I've been delving into some fairly complex modeling work since I've started work, and I was curious to hear some stories on other people's work with high end models and to hear about just how complex a model can get.

So, what's the most hardcore model you've ever built and what made it so complex?

JF Lehman?

TheKing — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 00:48:09 -0400

Any thoughts on this shop? I know it's an Aero/defense focused buyout shop. I'm just interested if there are any thoughts on the quality of the experience, its reputation, etc.

Your Favorite and Least Favorite Parts of the Deal Process

TheKing — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 16:52:17 -0400

What are you favorite and least favorite parts of the deal process?

Personally, I think writing the CIM is pretty fuckin boring. Just straight up data entry for the most part and it can take a long while.

Good Associates vs. Bad Associates - How They Affect Your Work Experience As An Analyst

TheKing — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 17:13:37 -0400

I don't really think this has been discussed and I think it's worth delving into. As an analyst, working with an associate who is on the ball and knows what he's doing can really make your life a lot easier. Working with an associate who is clueless can make it a living nightmare.

I anyone has any stories to share about working with good and/or bad associates, feel free to share.

Also, what, in your mind, separates a good associate from a bad one?