Leland+ for Private Equity
Private Equity Interviews: The Deal Walkthrough
The deal walkthrough is often the most grueling part of the private equity interview process, serving as the ultimate test of a candidate’s investment logic and technical command. In this session, Derek O. leverages his experience at Audax Private Equity and Vista Equity Partners to deconstruct how to successfully pitch a deal from an institutional perspective. Attendees will learn how to articulate a compelling investment thesis, navigate rigorous technical questioning, and defend assumptions under pressure—essential skills for standing out in elite recruiting cycles. This workshop is designed for ambitious professionals looking to bridge the gap between technical knowledge and the high-stakes delivery required to secure an offer.
Breaking Into Private Equity
Private equity is one of the most competitive—and rewarding—careers in finance, but understanding how to break in can be challenging. In this session, you’ll learn what top firms look for in candidates, how to position your background effectively, and what steps to take whether you’re recruiting from investment banking, consulting, or another path. Join Wendy P. (Tech PE @ Silver Lake), Pranav M. (4 years in MF/MM PE; 20+ offers), and Derek O. (Vista Equity Partners; ex-Audax Private Equity; ex-Goldman Sachs) as they share firsthand insights on the recruiting timeline, interview preparation, and networking strategies that actually work. Collectively, they’ve coached over 150 professionals into PE roles across top funds!
Cracking the Private Equity Associate Interview: Inside Tips from the Other Side of the Table
In this free session, Derek O., incoming Private Equity Investor at Vista Equity Partners (Ex-Audax PE, Ex-Goldman IB) and current MBA Candidate, will break down the skills and strategies needed to stand out in the Associate interview process. Drawing on experience across investment banking, middle-market buyouts, and large-cap software investing, Derek will share both the obvious and less obvious elements that top firms are screening for. We’ll aim to cover (i) the major “buckets” of PE interview evaluation, (ii) common pitfalls and how to avoid them, and (iii) real interview questions from real interview processes. This session will be tailored to the Private Equity Associate role; however, we welcome anyone interested in PE interviews to join (Summer Analyst, Analyst, MBA Associate, etc.).
