HarbourVest Partners
Associate, Secondary

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Job Description Summary
For over forty years, HarbourVest has been home to a committed team of professionals with an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to deliver impactful solutions to our clients and investing partners. As our global firm grows, we continue to add individuals who seek a collaborative, open-door culture that values diversity and innovative thinking.
In our collegial environment that’s marked by low turnover and high energy, you’ll be inspired to grow and thrive. Here, you will be encouraged to build on your strengths and acquire new skills and experiences.
We are committed to fostering an environment of inclusion that promotes mutual respect among all employees. Understanding and valuing these differences optimizes the potential of both the individual and the firm.
HarbourVest is an equal opportunity employer.
This position will be a hybrid work arrangement. You will receive 18 remote workdays per quarter to use at your discretion, subject to manager approval. For example, you may choose to work in the office 4 days per week and take one remote day weekly (typically 13 weeks per quarter), leaving 5 additional remote days to be used as needed.
Role Overview
HarbourVest Partners is currently seeking candidates for an Associate position in the EMEA Secondary Investment Group in London. The principal functions include investment analysis, due diligence, investment recommendation and negotiation, and investment monitoring. This includes, but is not limited to, partnership and company modeling, qualitative and quantitative analysis of managers, capital structures, and relevant industries, and the coordination of the closing process.
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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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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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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.
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What Awaits You
- Intensive Learning: Jump into an action-packed training program. Get ready to be trained by the best in the business.
- Personalized Mentorship: Each associate is paired with top-notch senior mentors from our Secondary Investment team, ensuring guidance, insights, and a helping hand at every step.
- Real Investment Experience: Get hands-on with actual investment processes, understanding the nitty-gritty of financial analysis, modeling, and spotting golden investment opportunities.
- Diverse Industry Insights: Explore a spectrum of industries from Tech to Healthcare, gaining a 360-degree view of the private equity landscape.
- Collaborative Environment: Join forces with our team on key projects, from due diligence to investment valuation, and feel the thrill of contributing to major investment decisions.


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What You Will Do
- Be at the forefront of evaluating diverse investment opportunities across different sectors.
- Engage actively in the due diligence process, including insightful interactions with advisers and private equity managers.
- Craft detailed financial models, playing a key role in investment analysis.
- Voice your opinions in investment discussions, making your mark in the decision-making process.
- Monitor and assist in managing our investment portfolio, adding real value to the team.
- And other responsibilities as required
What You Bring
- Go-getter demeanor with a stellar work ethic and charismatic personality.
- Natural leadership to thrive in a fast and furious work setting.
- Strong quantitative, analytical and Excel skills with a curiosity about numbers.
- Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Effective communication skills to articulate ideas with clarity.
- High level of maturity and ability to multi-task with little direct supervision.
Education Preferred
- BS/BA, MBA or equivalent in experience
Experience
- 2 – 4 years of investment banking or private equity experience
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