Preparing for an interview to work in Private Equity

Before joining the Expansion team, Sibylle Bourgeois was already familiar with Ardian. She had discovered the company during a career fair at the university of Paris Dauphine, and several of her friends had interned there, sharing their experiences with her. Inspired by their testimonials, Sibylle made it her goal during her studies to secure an internship at Ardian.

Sibylle’s interview strategy

Sibylle's previous professional experiences provided her with a strong foundation for preparing for her Private Equity interviews. Her internship in M&A equipped her with solid financial and technical skills, while her time at another Private Equity firm gave her a comprehensive understanding of the sector.

To succeed in the recruitment process, she emphasizes that researching the company and the specific team you're applying to is essential. In her preparation, she thoroughly studied Ardian, exploring the company’s website and carefully reviewing the page dedicated to the Expansion team to grasp their strategy and recent investments. Additionally, she read press articles about the Expansion team and their deals, and spoke with former interns to enhance her knowledge and demonstrate her motivation to join.

Her preparation strategy centered around two key areas. First, she focused on reviewing technical aspects, sharpening her accounting and finance skills by learning to analyze financial statements, understand valuation methods, and familiarize herself with the mechanics of an LBO model. Second, she dedicated time to refining her "fit" and personal presentation. During a job interview, it is crucial to be convincing and be able to clearly articulate motivations. Therefore, Sibylle prepared her reasons for choosing Private Equity, the Expansion team at Ardian, and her particular interest in the mid-cap segment.

Understanding the recruitment process for an internship in Ardian’s Expansion team

Sibylle’s application process was standard: she first submitted her CV and her cover letter online. She was then proceeded to in-person interviews with the team.

The first round consisted of three interviews, each lasting 30 to 45 minutes, with Investment Managers. These interviews covered both technical and “fit” aspects. The second round, similar in duration, included two interviews: one with a Senior Investment Manager and another with a Managing Director, diving deeper into both technical and fit questions.
Sibylle recalls two questions that stood out to her. She was asked to discuss a financial news in English, to assess her interest in finance. She was also asked to give her perspective on an investment the team had already made, to evaluate her business sense.

Discovering Ardian: an immersive process

For Sibylle, the recruitment process at Ardian was more than just a series of interviews; it was an immersive introduction into the company’s culture and its people. Her initial meetings with potential future colleagues started shaping her impression of the company. The interviews, which took place in person (but can also be conducted remotely) allowed Sibylle to experience the company culture.

In conclusion, Sibylle highlights the importance of thorough preparation and in-depth research before applying. Be sure to gather information on the team you want to join and reach out to former interns for practical advice and insights.