In today’s competitive financial landscape, cracking into private equity or top-tier investing roles is no longer just about your resume, it’s about who knows you, not just what you know.
That’s exactly what Kaushik Ravi, CEO of Onefinnet, emphasised in a powerful insider-led discussion on how professionals, regardless of background, can build influential networks that open doors and create long-term career leverage.
If you’re tired of sending cold messages that go unanswered, or if networking feels like a chore rather than a career superpower, this breakdown of Kaushik’s approach is for you.
“Networking Isn’t Optional, It’s the Real Interview”
One of the most striking takeaways from Kaushik’s perspective is that your network is often your first filter into elite finance roles. Before recruiters see your decked-out resume or LBO model, someone in your circle may be vouching, or not, for you.
“If someone refers you, it’s already a soft ‘yes,’” Kaushik noted.
“No one forwards a candidate unless they believe they’ll deliver.”
So what does this mean for job-seekers or early professionals? You must treat networking as part of the application process, not something you do only when you’re desperate.
Shift Your Mindset: Add Value Before You Ask for Value
A common mistake people make, Kaushik explained, is reaching out only when they need a favour, like a job referral or a resume review. This transactional mindset kills real opportunity.
Instead, flip the script.
Ask yourself:
- Can I send a helpful article about their industry?
- Can I attend their webinar or podcast and share feedback?
- Can I amplify their content on LinkedIn?
Even small gestures, like commenting meaningfully on someone’s post, can start a relationship.
“People remember who engages thoughtfully. That’s how you warm up a cold intro,” said Kaushik.
Targeted Outreach Beats Mass Messaging
Rather than spamming 100 people with the same generic note, Kaushik advises sending 5 hyper-personalized messages to professionals you truly admire or share affinity with, alumni, geography, similar career paths, etc.
A great outreach message does 3 things:
- Builds a bridge (mention something specific and relatable)
- Shows intent (why are you reaching out?)
- Keeps it brief (respect their time)
Example:
“Hi XYZ Person, I saw you transitioned from consulting to PE, which is the exact path I’m hoping to follow. Your recent post on deal diligence was spot-on. If you’re open to a quick 10-minute chat, I’d love to learn what worked for you.”
This kind of thoughtful, to-the-point note sets the stage for a conversation that could change your career.
Play the Long Game, Even After the Job
Another major insight Kaushik shared: don’t disappear once you get what you want. Whether it’s a referral, an interview, or even a job, continue nurturing the relationship.
Why?
Because:
- You may need help again.
- You might refer others.
- And most importantly, people notice who only shows up when it’s convenient.
Relationships are a long-term asset. PE and finance are small worlds. Protect your reputation by staying in touch, even if it’s just a quarterly check-in or a congrats message on a deal.
Build a Peer Network, Not Just a Mentor List
Kaushik highlighted something many overlook: networking across, not just up.
While most people chase MDs or Partners, it’s often your peers, the ones interviewing alongside you or a year ahead, who will:
- Share prep tips
- Recommend you internally
- Co-invest or collaborate in the future
“Your peer group today becomes your power network tomorrow,” Kaushik said.
So build genuine relationships with people on your level. Join niche Slack groups, LinkedIn cohorts, or alumni meetups. Those friendships may lead to breakthroughs faster than a cold email to a Partner.
Bring Value to Networking Conversations
Many candidates show up to coffee chats asking vague questions like “Tell me about your role.”
Kaushik encouraged a more intentional approach.
Ask:
- What made you choose this firm over others?
- What does great look like in your role?
- How do junior hires stand out?
This tells the other person:
1. You’ve done your homework
2. You respect their time
3. You’re serious about your own development
And if you can add insight, maybe by referencing an article, quoting their podcast, or asking a smart follow-up, it leaves a lasting impression.
Stop apologising for your background, leverage it.
Firms love people who bring domain expertise into their investment thinking. If you can talk about:
- How you’d analyze a SaaS business even if you’ve only worked in logistics
- Or how your commodities experience shapes your risk analysis
…then you’re showing investor-level thought. That’s what PE firms want.
And the best way to refine this thinking?
Talk to others. Network with people from those industries. Learn the lingo, the metrics, the risks.
“Great investors are great networkers because they’re always learning,”
The Bottom Line: Network Like a Pro, Think Like an Insider
Kaushik Ravi’s roadmap isn’t about sending 500 LinkedIn requests. It’s about crafting thoughtful, consistent interactions that position you as a credible, curious future investor.
Here’s your action plan:
- Treat networking as a long-term game, not a job search tool
- Personalize your outreach with intent and brevity
- Add value before asking for help and,
- Focus on peer relationships as much as senior ones
- Be strategic in your questions, not just polite
- Turn your background into your edge
- Keep showing up, before and after the job.
In private equity, it’s not just about technical skills, it’s about who trusts you enough to bring you into the room. And networking the right way is how you earn that trust.
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