Why Did You Leave the Private Equity Profession? (2024)

I often respond to questions from readers on the private equity interview process. Here is a question I recently responded to:

Q:Why did you leave the private equity profession?

A:I left private equitybecause, in the end, I had more of an itch to be on the operating side and, longer-term, to do something entrepreneurial in the tech startup world. That being said, I definitely learned hugely valuable skills in private equity, particularly around how to break down key business drivers, how to model the financials and economics of a company, and how to discern where the biggest sources of value creation might be in a potential portfolio company. I also strengthened my project and process management skills and learned how to manage due diligence and many different stakeholders under tremendous pressure and deadlines. In the end, though, I realized I wanted to broaden my experience beyond finance (for now) and gain operating experience and start a company. It’s pretty hard to get that in private equity, which is why I left. Maybe I’ll return to finance someday (I’ve already got PE experience and have finished all the CFA exams), but for now I’m really enjoying learning different aspects of company building and wearing a lot of different hats in my own startup!

Be sure to check out our PDF guide “How to Nail Your Private Equity Interview(whether you have finance training or not)” for in-depth tips and strategies on how to successfully interview forjobs at top private equityfirms!

Also be sure to check out our step-by-stepPrivate Equity LBO Modeling Training Videosforwalk-through tutorials on how to build an LBO model, navigate Excel with ruthless efficiency, and rapidly create an LBO PowerPoint deck to present to your PE interviewers.