High School
Classes in business, finance, business law, accounting, economics, mathematics, English, speech, psychology, foreign language, and computer science will prepare you for college and an eventual career as a dealmaker. Participation in activities, such as the debate team, that help you to develop your powers of persuasion will also be useful.
Postsecondary Education
You’ll need a master’s degree in business administration from a top college, preferably an Ivy League one, to work as a private equity dealmaker. If you attend a lesser-known school, you’ll need an absolutely stellar GPA and extensive deal experience to be considered for employment. Some dealmakers also have degrees in finance, accounting, and economics. The London School of Economics and Political Science offers a master’s degree in private equity.
Other Education or Training
Chief dealmakers are highly skilled and very experienced private equity professionals, but it never hurts even the best of the best to continue to keep their skills up to date. They can do so by pursuing professional development opportunities that are offered by professional associations such as the Emerging Markets Private Equity Association, which offers webcasts on structuring/negotiations, emerging PE markets, and other topics.
- Investment Underwriters
- Private Equity Accountants and Auditors
- Private Equity Business Development Directors
- Private Equity Compliance Professionals
- Private Equity Financial Managers
- Private Equity Investor Relations Specialists
- Private Equity Lawyers
- Private Equity Marketing Specialists
- Private Equity Research Analysts and Associates
- Private Equity Risk Managers