PE Internship Experience?

Hi I’m currently a sophomore and recently started an unpaid PE fall internship at a small shop in nyc but at a fundless sponsor. It seems like a lot of the responsibilities involves sourcing and admin work, and I don’t have a great grasp of the investing process as it doesn’t seem like we have any deals we’re working on. Most of the day consists of me doing outreach lists, browsing the web, and looking through prior projects. The internship is 3 days a week for 8 hours per day, which is quite time consuming and I don’t think I’m learning much.


How do I make the most of this experience? 

 

Hey there! It sounds like you're in a bit of a pickle, but don't worry, I've got some tips that might help you make the most of your current situation.

Firstly, remember that every experience is a learning opportunity. Even if you're not directly involved in the investing process, you're still getting a glimpse into the world of private equity. You're learning about sourcing, which is a crucial part of the process.

Secondly, don't be afraid to ask questions. If there's something you don't understand or want to learn more about, ask your colleagues or superiors. They might be busy, but most people are willing to help out if they see you're eager to learn.

Thirdly, take the initiative. If you see an opportunity to get involved in something more substantial, go for it. This could be anything from suggesting a potential investment to offering to help out with a deal.

Lastly, remember that this is just one step on your journey. Even if this internship isn't everything you hoped it would be, it's still a valuable experience that you can leverage in the future.

Keep your chin up and remember, every monkey has to start somewhere!

Sources: Staying a third year as a PE associate vs. doing something nontraditional, Doing a PE internship during my break before starting Banking FT?, Q&A - Private Equity Internships, PE Recruiting During Internship

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