Associate, Private Equity Blog Post

Goldman Sachs offers services in investment banking (advisory for mergers and acquisitions and restructuring), securities underwriting, prime brokerage, asset management as well as wealth management and investment management via Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management. It is a market maker for many types of financial products and provides clearing and custodian bank services. It operates private-equity funds and hedge funds. It structures complex and tailor-made financial products. It also owns Goldman Sachs Bank USA, a direct bank. It trades both on behalf of its clients (flow trading) and for its own account (proprietary trading). The company invests in and arranges financing for startups, and in many cases gets additional business as bookrunner when the companies launch initial public offerings. Details below.

PRIVATE EQUITY INVESTING

The Private Equity Investing business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management has been operating for over 30 years and invests across a broad range of industries, geographies, and transaction types with 100 dedicated investment professionals globally. The latest flagship fund in our private equity platform is the West Street Capital Partners VIII, a $9.7bn vehicle. We pursue a strategy focused on long-term capital appreciation by committing to high-quality companies with strong management teams and actively supporting their development and value creation.

THE ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

Associates in Private Equity Investing will be integrally involved with all aspects of the investment cycle including: sourcing, identifying and evaluating attractive investment themes and opportunities; building relationships with management teams, senior advisors and external industry experts; performing due diligence; financing, structuring and closing transactions as well as developing, monitoring and implementing value creation strategies at our existing portfolio companies.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

We are looking for highly motivated, well-rounded, team players who are passionate about investing and want to build a long-term career at Goldman Sachs with the following skills:

Business and Investment Judgement

• Demonstrates good investment instincts and a thoughtful approach to investment opportunities. Ability to consider macro and micro drivers for investment success
• Entrepreneurial mind-set in evaluating new investment opportunities
• Demonstrates versatility in adapting to different industries and geographies

Communication Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. European language skills are a plus
• Structured and succinct presentation and communication
• Relationship-building skills and ability to communicate with all levels of stakeholders, both internal and external

Technical Skills

• Top-tier financial modelling and analytical skills including a thorough understanding of corporate finance concepts
• Detail orientated approach to financial modelling and analytics

Soft Skills & Motivation

• High level of integrity, strong work ethic and commitment to the job with a genuine enthusiasm to work and private equity
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and keen to take on responsibility
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. Resourceful approach to problem-solving

Background

• Minimum of 2 years' experience with leading investment banks, consulting firms, corporate, private equity firms and other alternative asset managers
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification with a track record of excellence in career and academics