WSO Weekly Wrap-up

May 24, 2025

Hey WSO Monkey,

Covering everything from navigating the PE recruiting grind with insights from TPG and RX, to the reality check on recent mega-fund returns, surviving the constant rollercoaster of MM PE, and how to stand your ground as a junior REPE analyst without annoying everyone around you. Dive in!

-Patrick

Top Discussions

  1. Q&A: TPG Capital Associate Experience - "Hey guys. With the ever-so ridiculous on-cycle process looming, I figured I'd use my delayed flight to hopefully give back to the WSO community - especially those of you who have absolutely no idea what you're doing or like professionally, but are gunning for top PEs (no shame, that was me half a dozen years ago). So, ask me anything. Won't get into specifics or anything identifying (myself or others) but will try to be as open as possible."

  2. MF PE Recent Returns - "The reality is large cap PE isn't going to outperform the overall PE industry most of the time so many of the large players aren't going to impress you from a returns standpoint and I think it is the norm, it isn't that the fund is too early in its investment period..."

  3. Q&A: Recruited for RX and Buyside - "Thought of creating this thread to be a resource incase anyone had any questions (which I doubt but putting this out there anyways). Will try my best to respond to as many as possible. Background: Regional target, otherwise lower semi - target. Recruited for: RX IB (non PJT / EVR) , RX Consulting, MM & LMM PE"

Time is Money

Unlocking Value in Banking Through Smarter Use of Technology

Time is money, and in the world of investment banking, the demand to do more with less is more prominent than ever. Junior bankers often find themselves overwhelmed by repetitive tasks such as financial modeling, transaction analysis, and reporting.

FactSet’s latest insights highlight the untapped potential of technology to streamline processes and enhance productivity for junior bankers and reveals that adopting innovative technologies can save them six to ten hours weekly. This enables them to concentrate on more strategic tasks, like creating client presentations, exploring new business opportunities, and engaging in strategic research.

Top Discussions (contd.)

  1. Intrepid Investment Bankers Suicide - "What is there to be surprised about? People in my generation would rather kill themselves than quit a job that brings them misery? Seems par for the course when you consider the type of pressure high achievers and their peers exact on themselves and each other these days. My heart goes out to this individual's family and colleagues, but if this, the Jefferies death, or the BofA death serve to teach us anything, it's that no job is worth more than your well-being. Some people are "built different" and can work 90-100 hour weeks for long stretches of time, but that does not mean anyone is less of a man or hard worker if they choose not to subject themselves to that."

  2. Life in Middle Market Private Equity - "At a MM fund portfolio company work is basically constant, when you’re on a deal sprint you have to put it on hold and then in the 2 week break after a deal dies you end up just getting crushed trying to catch up. And then by that point your stupid VP wants to “do some quick efficient work” on the 25 different CIMs you get a week and next thing you know you’re building models and starting IC packs for things that an MD is going to laugh at when you pitch to them..."

  3. Becoming a Great REPE Analyst - "Learn how to stand up for yourself even if you and your boss know that you will ultimately back down because he signs your check. If you disagree with something, say it and back it up with evidence. And then, when you inevitably lose the argument, do what you’re told and how you’re told to do it. You will lose the argument almost every time early on, but you will gain respect in the process. Don’t be annoying about this though. Only chose conflict when it really matters. No one likes a “debate me, bro” bro."

New Podcasts Coming in Hot 🔥

  • Italy to KPMG | Chat with Jack | WSO Academy

  • Warwick to Goldman Sachs | Chat with Zachary | WSO Academy

Hot Jobs 💼

Venture Capital Associate (Life Sciences, Boston-based) - "The team is seeking an Investment Associate to join as a generalist across their three sector focuses (biotech, digital health/tech, and tools/diagnostics) in Boston metro with an ASAP or Summer 2025 start date..." 

Full-time Investment Associate - "A Silicon Valley based long/short equity hedge fund specializing in artificial intelligence (AI). It exclusively invests in AI and AI-related public technology companies..."

Equity Research Analyst - "Buy-side research analyst opportunity with a family office. The analyst will work with the direct investment team and report to the Portfolio Manager. The team employs a fundamentally driven investment process and an owner’s mentality...."

Research Associate (Equity Small Mid Cap) - New York, NY - "This position will support the Small/Mid-Cap Equity research team and initially be responsible for covering multiple sectors in support of current team members."

On Deck - Training 🎓

All in Eastern Standard Time

Stay Strong,
Patrick Curtis
CEO and Founder, WallStreetOasis.com

WSO Mobile App: iOS | Android

PS - We're also always looking to add resume reviewers and WSO Mentors to our team. Set your own pay (from $40/hr to up to $400/hr) to increase or decrease mentee flow. To submit an application, go here.

PPS - Think you have an interesting story? Want to share it with our podcast listeners? Hit reply and let me know!




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