20 Top Private Equity Firms to Work For

Since 1970, the private equity market has steadily developed into one of the biggest and wealthiest industries in the world, producing a long list of top private equity firms. A private equity company acts as a manager who makes investments in the private sector, by using a variety of strategies such as buyout, growth, and venture capital.

As the private equity industry evolved, a lot of successful firms started emerging starting from the late seventies. If you browse through Forbes tops dedicated to the richest people on the planet, you will discover that there are many billionaires that come from the private equity industry.

As a result of this rapidly growing and expanding industry, there are successful equity firms located all over the world, from Wall Street, New York, all the way to London or even Hong Kong.

More and more young graduates would like to follow a career path in this field, and are on the lookout for a job in a reputed private equity firm. There are some things you need to know if you are going to apply for a job in this field.

Before you are headed for an interview at one of the top private equity firms NYC, you should know what to expect and what is expected of you. The main position you could apply for in a PE (private equity) is that of associate, also known as analyst. Generally, you are required to have 1 to 3 years of experience, and you will work under a Senior Associate.

Now that you know the basics, you can look through our list of the 20 top private equity firms to work for as an entry-level employee.

1. TPG Creative Capital Firm

A business that has raised a capital of over $50 billion, TPG Creative Capital Firm is always present on the top 10 private equity firms in the world. Located in Fort Worth and San Francisco, TPG covers a variety of industries from tourism and healthcare, to retail.

Job description PE Analyst (entry-level)

• Extensive knowledge of all TPG activity sectors
• Perform research tasks in relation to strategic advantages
• Identify new investment opportunities
• Present the results to the Senior Analyst
• Monitor and update the personal client portfolio
• Use specific tools to Increase daily productivity

Required: MBA/ Degree in statistics, mathematics, economics or finance + over 2 years of experience in banking.

Read more: tpg.com

2. The Blackstone Group

Among the most important players in the finance market, Blackstone is among the top real estate private equity firms. They also provide services related to hedge funding and private equity, as well as non-investment credit.

Job description PE Analyst (entry-level)

• Assisting seniors in divestitures, acquisitions, and joint ventures
• Performing regular analysis using specific tools and provide conclusive results
• Manage, monitor and update current portfolios

Required: CPA/ Graduate Degree + 2-4 years of experience in financing (private or public sector).

Read more: blackstone.com

3. Goldman Sachs Investment

Goldman Sachs Investment is among the top 20 private equity firms on the market, dealing with a variety of financial issues, such as risk management and debt underwriting.

Job description PE Analyst (entry-level)

• Planning and structuring financial transactions
• Executing transactions in both public and private sectors
• Advising client companies on mergers and acquisitions
• Being fluent in foreign languages

Required: MBA + 2 to 3 years of previous experience in a related industry

Read more: goldmansachs.com

4. Kohlberg Kravis Roberts

With an impressive portfolio, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts is among the top US private equity firms. They offer quality services on a variety of financial markets, being an ideal place to start your career.

Job description PE Analyst (entry-level)

• Assist with portfolio monitoring and management
• Perform data research and analysis and present the results
• Create and prepare reports and forecasts for clients

Required: Masters or BA in business management, economics, finance or consultation + 2-3 years of experience in a similar position

Read more: kkr.com

5. The Carlyle Group

With investors that come from all fields and backgrounds, from individuals to families to public or private funds, The Carlyle Group is among the top energy private equity firms in the world. They are active on a lot of other markets such as real estate or telecommunications.

Job description PE Analyst (entry-level)

• Expert knowledge related to acquisition and buyout opportunities
• Studying, researching and analyzing the industry using specific tools
• Preparing and presenting internal reports
• Being able to provide and present formal documents

Required: BA or MBA in a finance-related field + over 2 years of work experience in a similar position

Read more: carlyle.com

6. CVC Capital Partners

Dedicated to fulfilling the financial needs of more than 300 institutions, as well as private investors, CVC Capital Partners is an important private equity firm. Their headquarters are located in Luxembourg City.

Job description PE Analyst (entry-level)

• Perform analysis related to client’s portfolios
• Handle trade support and specific operations
• Work closely with seniors and assist their daily activities

Required: BA or MBA in a finance-related field + relevant experience in private equity

Read more: cvc.com

7. Apax Partners

Apax Partners has a solid investment plan that involved only four major industries: Services, Consumer, Health, and Technology. They are among the top private equity firms in the US.

Job description PE Analyst (entry-level)

• Perform tasks related to multiple transactions assigned to you
• Consult clients and manage their portfolios
• Consult, work with and advise team members

Required: BA or Master’s Degree in Finance, Mathematics or Engineering

Read more: apax.com

8. Apollo Global Management

Apollo Global Management is a private equity company that works in a variety of sectors and industries. They are always featured on the top 50 private equity firms in the world due to their performances in the field.

Job description PE Analyst (entry-level)

• Knowledge of and ability to work with Microsoft Office Pack and Bloomberg Terminal
• Provide analysis on required subject
• Be creative and turn ideas into easy-to-understand concepts

Required: BA or Master’s Degree in Finance or Business Administration

Read more: agm.com

9. Bain Capital

Bain Capital is a top private equity firm, dedicated to a variety of fields from Retail, Consumer to Healthcare, Telecom or Media.

Job description PE Analyst (entry-level)

• Research and perform analysis
• Structure and present recommendations to a variety of clients
• Work closely with consultants, partners, and clients

Required: Undergraduates with background in consulting

Read More: baincapitalprivateequity.com

10. Hellman & Friedman

Hellman & Friedman invests in financial services, digital marketing, and software, while being one of the top healthcare private equity firms on the market.

Job description PE Analyst (entry-level)

• Create spreadsheet analysis related to the specific activities
• Find new opportunities for clients
• Create and present the data results of research to senior team members

Required: BA or Master’s Degree in Economics, Engineering Business Administration or Mathematics

Read More: hf.com

11. Oaktree Capital Management

Oaktree Capital Management is dedicated to corporate and distressed debt, as well as private equities. Among the top private equity firms Los Angeles has ever hosted, Oaktree is a great start for a successful career.

Job description PE Analyst (entry-level)

• Research and analyze products, markets, and new business possibilities
• Perform extensive high-quality analysis
• Creating benchmarks after studying the industries where Oaktree is active

Required: BA from a reputed University + 1-3 years of relevant work in a financial firm

Read More:  oaktreecapital.com

12. General Atlantic

General Atlantic is a private equity firm that focuses mainly on retail, consumer, and financial services. They are one of the top global private equity firms currently active on the market.

Job description PE Analyst (entry-level)

• Work in fields related to Merger and Acquisition strategies
• Research and prepare data analysis
• Create various modeling structures to be presented to clients
• Assist Seniors with valuations and prospective opportunities

Required: BA in Computer Science, Economics or Engineering

Read More: generalatlantic.com

13. Cerberus Capital Management

Cerberus Capital Management is one of the top private equity firms in the world. They are highly specialized, focusing on distress investing.

Job description PE Analyst (entry-level)

• Work closely with Seniors to provide analysis
• Research and compile data reports
• Manage assigned client’s portfolios

Required: BA or Master’s Degree in finance or economics related field + 1-2 years of previous work experience

Read more: cerberuscapital.com

14.  Advent International

Advent International is a Boston-based company that ranks among the top private equity firms in the world. They are dedicated to mid or upper mid markets, focusing on buyouts and growth capital.

Job description PE Analyst (entry-level)

• Research the mid and upper mid markets for investment opportunities
• Work closely with related teams on strategies and techniques
• Offer feedback and periodically reports to Seniors

Required: BA or Master’s Degree in Finance or Economics + 3 years of relevant work experience

Read More: adventinternational.ro

15. Northern Trust Corporation

Northern Trust Corporation is among the top private equity firms Chicago-based, and their activity cover a variety of fields. They offer investments and financial planning for clients in over 20 international locations, being an ideal starting point for your career.

Job description PE Analyst (entry-level)

• Work with fund transaction data
• Establish new accounts and deal with clients directly
• Identify, find solutions and resolve daily problems
• Work effectively within a team and also independently

Required: College or University degree + relevant work experience

Read More: northerntrust.com

16. Bank of America

Bank of America is a major player among the top of both the financial and the investment market. They also have a sector dedicated to private equity.

Job description PE Analyst (entry-level)

• Assist seniors with identifying investment opportunities
• Get involved in leading the due diligence tasks related to private equity
• Present research results to local committees
• Prepare and present specific materials and strategies
• Assist and support assigned clients

Required: Degree in Accounting, Economics or Finance + over 3 years of work experience

Read More: bankofamerica.com

17. Providence Equity

With locations all over the world from New York to London, Hong Kong, and New Delhi Providence Equity is one of the strongest global players on the market. These are the required abilities and qualifications for any entry-level PE Analyst.

Job description PE Analyst (entry-level)

• Create and present comprehensive analysis of the market
• Investigate and research the private sector
• Follow and complete tasks from Senior Analysts
• Provide periodic reports on your activity

Required: Master’s Degree in Finance or a related field + 2 years of previous experience in the private equity department

Read More: provequity.com

18. Lone Star Funds

Lone Star funds is one of the top private equity firms 2014, being among the best global firms that invest in equity, real estate, and various other financial assets.

Job description PE Analyst (entry-level)

• Follow instructions and work closely with seniors
• Ability to work independently, as well as in a team
• Research the market and identify prospective opportunities
• Manage clients’ portfolios

Required: BA or Master’s Degree from a reputed institution + 1-2 years of previous experience

Read More: lonestarfunds.com

19. Leonard Green & Partners

Located in Los Angeles, Leonard Green & Partners is one of the oldest American equity firms. They are still managing an impressive portfolio of clients, remaining among the top middle market private equity firms in the world.

Job description PE Analyst (entry-level)

• Work closely with Senior Analysts
• Provide research and interpret resulting data
• Investigate and identify possible business opportunities
• Manage clients’ portfolio

Required: Master’s Degree from a reputed institution + 2-3 years of experience in a related position

Read More: leonardgreen.com

20. Golden Gate Capital

This San Francisco-based company has a value of over $12 billion in committed capital under management. Golden Gate Capital is among the top 100 private equity firms in the world, being an ideal place to start your career.

Job description PE Analyst (entry-level)

• Assist Seniors with their daily tasks
• Manage and monitor clients’ portfolios
• Work closely with all related teams
• Fluency in foreign languages is a plus

Required: BA or Master’s degree in Economics, Finance or Mathematics + at least 2 years of experience in banking or finance

Read More: goldengatecap.com

If you are searching for a fulfilling job that will turn into a successful career and you are passionate about finance, the private equity business is ideal for you. Look through our list of top private equity firms and you will find some of the top private equity real estate firms, as well as the most important US private equity firms.

Look through our 20 entries in the top private equity firms and discover which one best fits your abilities, requirements and beliefs. Apply for the opening and get your successful start in a fruitful and fulfilling career.