SEO Alternative Investments Program

Employment at alternative investments firms is often a coveted next-stage career opportunity for those with investment banking or similar experience.  However, understanding of and exposure to this industry can be quite challenging.

SEO's core activity in this area is the SEO Alternative Investments Fellowship Program (AIFP), an educational program for young professionals from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in the industry.  Created in 2009, the AIFP combines training and mentoring to strengthen Fellows as candidates for positions in private equity and other alternative investments.  The program also improves Fellows' skills as analysts by exploring strategic decisions involved in transactions from the client's point of view.

SEO is very pleased to recognize Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) as founding partner for the Fellowship program and TPG Capital's leadership in partnering with SEO to make it an industry-wide initiative.  As the program develops, we expect other alternative investments firms to join SEO in helping educate and expose diverse young professionals to this dynamic industry.

In 2011, Audax Group also began a partnership with the SEO Career Program to identify talent for Audax's undergraduate summer analyst program, providing another pathway for talented individuals to gain access to  the industry.

Another important component of this initiative is the SEO Annual Alternative Investments Conference.  The conference promotes diversity by providing a day of education, access and career development for young and experienced professionals who are underrepresented in the industry.  The conference includes panel discussions and networking activities with sector leaders, limited partners and fund managers.


About the Alternative Investments Fellowship Program

Program Structure
Fellows continue to work full-time in their current analyst positions during the 10-month Fellowship period.  Fellowship program activities are organized on weekends and as early-morning breakfast seminars to avoid conflict with work commitments.

Benefits to Fellows
•  Advanced LBO Modeling Training Session
•  LBO Case Study Practice & Review
•  Series of breakfast seminars including:
      - Limited Partners discuss investing in the alternatives sector
      - Roundtable discussions with senior partners at PE firms
      - "A Day in the Life of a PE Associate"
•  Mentoring by PE professionals from our partners
•  Increased understanding of the recruiting process of PE and other alternative investments firms
•  Introduction to the unique cultures of each partner firm in the program

Program Success
Past Fellows have successfully secured positions at a variety of private equity firms, including TPG, Carlyle Group, Great Hill Partners, Apax Partners, and General Atlantic.  Click here to hear about their program experience.