Private Equity Day: Discover, Network, Apply

IE Talent & Careers hosted Private Equity Day, an event to inform students about the sector and provide networking opportunities with industry professionals.

Over 100 students attended IE University to gain insights from a panel where different companies presented themselves, their highlights, differentiating factors, and open vacancies. Interested students had the opportunity to network with recruiters and Managers after the panel. Industry leaders attended from Portobello, Qualitas Funds, Capza, Tikehau Capital, Charme Capital Partners, Three Hills, Permira, Azora, Ufenau Capital Partners, Ardian, and Hyperion.

Javier Tordable Parcerisa, Head of Finance in Talent & Careers, led a discussion presenting students with possible positions in Private Equity Firms. Many recruiters emphasized the vast amount of opportunities for attendees.

“We usually look at profiles from consulting and finance but we are flexible with the different backgrounds with people with little experience,” said Juan Casla from Charme Capital Partners. “We are happy to expand our workforce by getting people with different profiles.”

Inés Lacalle from Portobello added, “We look for full-time positions, profiles with 2-3 years of previous experience, but for upcycle we’re open to explore profiles, diversity is key and I am looking forward to discussing with you all!” 

Students said they felt the event provided the platform for them to expand their knowledge about the sector.

“I expect to get a better idea of private equity firms globally,” said Bachelor of Business Administration student Isabel Marshall. “I've learned about the ones from the United States and kind of know some of the bigger players there, but understanding how it works on a global front and just learning more about private equity in general.”

Speakers delved into the realities of the sector– including work hours, culture and peak times– to provide students with a comprehensive understanding. Some, like BBA alumn who returned representing Ufenau Capital Partners said events like this gave students a better understanding before entering the sector.

“An event like this is very valuable for all students so that they can find out a bit about what we do and the opportunities available in the market that it offers. And more contact also with the reality a little more practical of what private equity is told from the inside,” Moreno said.“Hopefully it will serve you to become future private equity people.”

Recruiters praised the students of IE University and explained to attendees what they look for in a candidate. 

“I look for attitude, willingness to work, interest, and a good mood. Students I have talked to have a lot of interest in our world,” said Marta Merry del Val, Principal at Capza. “They are all willing to learn and work to enter this world, which in the end is not so easy because it's a very small market. There are not so many positions.” 

Ana Fernandez, Three Hills Manager in Business Development and International Relations Manager said, “On our side, we really value people that are very entrepreneurial, in the sense that I think it is a very meritocratic industry in which you have to work hard and technically, but you also have to think outside the box and be able to grow at your own pace by participating in the brainstorming of all opportunities.”

Arailym Ualkhanova, IMBA student, shared her intentions of attending and overall thoughts on the experience.

“I wanted to understand how private equity businesses are structured and what they are looking for in the candidates. So it is a great opportunity to understand what kind of private equity firms are based in European Union and what kind of company profiles they have, and what the day-to-day job is like. It was a good opportunity to learn that.”