Direct Private Equity Fund Intern

Team Overview

Pictet Alternative Advisors (PAA) is a specialist in alternative investments and operates as a fully owned business within the Pictet Group. Its capabilities cover hedge funds, private equity, and global real estate. With teams across multiple regions, PAA builds, manages, and advises on alternative investment portfolios for both institutional and private investors. The group is focused on expanding PAA further in the years ahead by adding more asset classes and strengthening its institutional client franchise. Pictet currently oversees USD 46bn in alternative assets, of which more than USD 30bn is in private equity.

In 2023, Pictet introduced its first direct private equity fund, aimed at mid-market European buyout opportunities. The fund generally places equity commitments of €20–80 million in companies valued at up to €200 million. Its core investment focus is on the UK and DACH regions, backing founder- and entrepreneur-led businesses in the middle market with €3–15 million EBITDA, mainly across B2B Services, Education & Training, and Industrials.

Role Summary

The London-based team consists of 12 investment professionals and is looking for a highly driven intern to help support the continued expansion of the franchise. The role will concentrate mainly on UK opportunities, with a smaller share of DACH opportunities where language skills allow, though German is not mandatory.

Key Responsibilities

• Support deal sourcing and pipeline development, mainly across the UK and DACH, while also carrying out market research and initial screening of possible acquisition targets.
• Contribute to the full investment process for new transactions, including work across financial, commercial, legal, tax, and technology due diligence, as well as preparation of investment memoranda and financial models.
• Assist with monitoring a diversified portfolio of direct investments, coordinate with internal teams, portfolio company employees, and outside advisers, help drive value-creation actions, and prepare quarterly performance updates.

Candidate Profile

The ideal applicant should have graduated from, or be close to graduating from, a top-tier educational institution. Prior exposure through internships or full-time roles in demanding environments such as private equity, investment banking, or consulting at leading firms is expected.

Strong financial modelling ability is essential, along with solid command of MS Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint, and familiarity with AI tools. Candidates should also be able to assess complex financial information and market trends, take a proactive and practical approach to identifying opportunities, and communicate effectively while building strong relationships with colleagues and other stakeholders.

Fluent English, both written and spoken, is required; German is an advantage. Beyond technical ability, the successful candidate should be energetic, mature, results-oriented, highly ethical, and comfortable working collaboratively in an entrepreneurial, start-up-like setting. The position offers direct exposure to the UK and wider European deal process, together with hands-on learning and training from experienced professionals in private equity, investment banking, and consulting.

Application Instructions

Applicants should provide a CV and a short cover letter that explains their interest in private equity, how previous work experience relates to this position and the competencies they bring, and their availability, including the earliest start date and how long they can commit.

Candidates must be available for at least 4 months. Applications submitted through agencies will not be accepted.

Diversity and Inclusion

Pictet is an equal opportunity employer and aims to foster a diverse workplace where all individuals are respected and included.

Additional Information

This internship is planned for a 6-month period, with a target start date in March or April 2026.