How Networking Helps in Private Equity Career

In private equity, your resume might get you in the door, but your network is what gets you the room, and possibly the offer. 

That’s not motivational fluff. That’s practical reality. 

As Kaushik Ravi emphasised in his direct, experience-backed session with aspiring investors, for 80% of people, networking is the single most important factor in transitioning into private equity. If you’re not already doing it, or worse, if you dislike it, you need to start liking it. 

Networking is not a one-off; it’s a lifestyle 

The biggest mistake people make? Thinking networking is transactional. It’s not. You’re not jumping on a call hoping to snag an internship tomorrow. You’re starting a long-term conversation. One that should position you on someone’s radar when the opportunity does arise. 

Kaushik was blunt: “It’s the rest of your career.” Whether you’re a VP convincing management teams or a Partner raising capital from LPs, you’re always selling, always engaging. Get into that mindset now. 

Your story needs to hit 3 out of 10 people 

You’re not trying to win everyone. But your narrative, why you’re switching to PE, what skills you bring, and what sectors excite you, needs to resonate with some of them. For example, if you come from consulting, reach out to investors who once did the same. Use affinity wisely: school alumni, veterans, hometowns, previous deals, any point of shared context helps. 

As one student shared during the session, tapping into these circles led to a 100% response rate. Why? Because the outreach was thoughtful, values-based, and not just about asking for a job. 

The best outreach is focused and honest 

Kaushik emphasised specificity. Don’t message every PE partner in New York. Instead, if you’re passionate about clean energy, find funds actively investing in that space. Mention a deal they recently did. Share your thesis. Show them why you’d be a valuable fit. That’s how you elevate a cold message into a warm conversation. 

“You need to walk out with 50 to 100 contacts who know your name, your background, and what you’re about.” 

Final Word 

If you’re not actively networking, you’re not competing. Networking isn’t optional; it’s strategic. It’s also learnable. So start now, build those bridges, and remember: in PE, it’s not about applying to jobs, it’s about becoming someone worth calling before the job is posted.