On 2nd August 2025, we hosted the third session of Winpe’s PEVC Career Talk Series — this time on the theme “Mastering the Interview: From Preparation to Presence.”

The session featured live mock interviews with lucky draw winners from Session 2 — offering attendees a rare chance to observe real-time interview dynamics and gain practical, insider tips.

The feedback focused on helping participants navigate PEVC interviews with clarity and confidence. Speakers shared practical advice on how to prepare for interviews — from understanding the firm and role, to structuring the responses, demonstrating presence, and building a compelling transition story, especially for those coming from non-traditional backgrounds.

With overwhelmingly positive feedback from the audience, Session 3 was another powerful step in our shared journey to demystify careers in private equity and venture capital.

Catch the full recording here

Key Highlights:

• Craft a clear and relevant transition story

  Whether you're coming from valuations, consulting, or a sector like healthcare, explain how your experience aligns with what PE/VC firms look for. Highlight analytical thinking, commercial judgment, or sector knowledge that can translate to investing.

• Build strong fundamentals and think like an investor

  Understand how investment professionals evaluate companies, make decisions, and track performance. Practice investment cases and be prepared to share your views on sectors, companies, or deals.

• Presence and communication matter

  Interviewers assess not just what you say, but how you say it. Be clear, confident, and structured in your responses. Presence — how you carry yourself — often influences perception as much as content.

• Do your homework: research the firm and the interviewer

  Tailor your preparation by reading about the firm’s investment thesis, portfolio companies, and recent deals. Knowing your interviewer’s background can help you connect better and ask more insightful questions.

• High-performance and inclusion can go hand-in-hand

  Despite the high-pressure nature of PE/VC, some firms successfully balance demanding performance expectations with empathy, mentorship, and support for employees’ growth and well-being. Leaders and internal policies play a big role.

• Network early and consistently

  Especially if you’re transitioning from a non-traditional background, building relationships is crucial. Reach out to alumni, attend events, or connect via LinkedIn — networking can often open more doors than cold applications.

You can download the key highlights of this session here

The Q&A reflected a wide range of thoughtful questions- from how professionals with non PEVC experience communicate their transition into PE/VC, to strategies for networking for an “outsider”, and how to position one’s story and resume to reflect authenticity, adaptability, and alignment with the expectations of the investment world.

Through sessions like these, Winpe continues its mission to empower women with the tools and perspective they need to enter and thrive in the ever-evolving culture of PEVC.