Rutherford
2-4 PQE Private Equity Associate

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Join a highly regarded US firm's private equity team in London, advising top investors on deal pipelines while working alongside industry experts. This role offers exposure to high-quality work, collaboration with elite teams across multiple practice areas and a competitive New York/Cravath salary. Ideal for a driven Associate who can hit the ground running, working autonomously in a high-performing, client-focused environment with strong career progression prospects.
Position Overview
As a Private Equity Associate, you will play a crucial role in advising several prominent private equity firms on investments, bolt-on acquisitions, portfolio matters, and exits. You will work closely with founders and management teams on transactions financed by private equity, helping to minimise risk while maximising returns for investors.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Responsibilities
- Assist sponsors in building and executing their deal pipeline, supporting investments throughout their growth and achieving the best possible exit
- Identify new opportunities through direct deal origination, market coverage calls, and divestment trackers
- Execute buy-side mandates with speed and certainty during competitive processes
- Provide clients with commercial advice through the lifecycle of an investment to support value enhancement strategies
- Contribute to the supervision and development of other team members
- Participate in business and practice development activities to further the firm's growth and success


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Requirements
- England & Wales Qualified with 2-4 years PQE from a top-tier UK or international corporate practice
- Strong grounding in company law and corporate transaction experience, including private equity deal structuring and market practice
- Proven experience working with leading mid-market or large cap investors highly advantageous
- Outstanding academic credentials
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