Career path: Private Markets
Create value for companies and investor portfolios.
Explore a world of investments beyond assets traded on public stock exchanges – think startups, private equity, hedge funds, physical assets like real estate, renewable energy grids or digital highways, and more. A career in Private Markets straddles two worlds: structuring deals in exciting sectors and making a meaningful impact on people’s financial security.
Useful skillsets
- Analytical and quantitative
- Effective communication
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Attention to detail
What is Private Markets?
Private market investments boost long-term returns and reduce volatility in traditional stocks and bonds portfolios. Working in this area of finance sharpens your valuation, financial analysis and modelling skills, and gives you experience in capital raising and structuring deals.
Start here: Private Equity Analyst
Think Private Markets might be the right fit for you? Explore what your first step could look like as a Private Equity Analyst.
Career trajectory
Portfolio Manager
Monitors and supports investments post-deal, working to grow asset value over time.
Principal
Identifies and evaluates potential deals, negotiates terms, and manages portfolio companies.
Head of Private Equity or Private Credit
Leads investment teams that invests in private companies (Private Equity) or provides loans to companies (Private Credit), deciding which deals to pursue and managing risks.
Partner
Raises, sources and evaluates deals, drives investment decisions, and shapes firm strategy. Partners often hold an ownership stake in the firm.
Chief Investment Officer (CIO)
Directs overall investment strategy and oversees all investments for optimal capital allocation and performance.
Begin your career journey with a strong foundation
The CFA Institute Investment Foundations® Certificate gives you essential building blocks of knowledge, helping you confidently begin a career in finance. Available to full-time students for just USD 79.
Find out where you fit in finance
Take the ICAN Finance Career Quiz and in a few minutes, you’ll discover personalized career paths to explore further, based on your skills, strengths, passions, and values.