PE Reference Library & Career Toolkit
The practitioner-built PE desk reference. Technical deep-dives on LBO mechanics, valuation, and deal execution — plus career frameworks for breaking in. Organized into two tracks so you can go straight to what you need.
⚙️ PE Technical Deep-Dives
The concepts that drive deal decisions — explained for practitioners, not textbooks.
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How to Build an LBO Model — Middle-Market Guide GUIDE
Step-by-step LBO build: assumptions, sources & uses, FCF, debt schedule, XIRR/MOIC, and a 2×3 sensitivity matrix.
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Enterprise Value vs. Equity Value (Complete Guide) VALUATION
Definitions and formulas, the EV bridge (net debt, preferred, NCI, non-ops), IFRS 16/ASC 842 consistency, dilution (TSM/convertibles), CFDF equity checks, and M&A use cases.
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Net Operating Working Capital (NOWC) — Days → Cash Playbook OPERATIONS
Define NOWC, use CCC and Days→Dollars math, and deploy AR, inventory, and AP levers — plus negative WC/float, ABL nuance, pegs, and mini-cases.
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Private Equity DPI (Liquidity & Pacing Guide) METRICS
DPI vs. TVPI/RVPI, ADR pacing, mid-life benchmarks, and how GP-led CVs, NAV lines, and dividend recaps impact realized cash — plus diligence checklists.
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The 3 Levers of Value Creation FRAMEWORK
Demystify how PE makes money — multiple expansion, deleveraging, and operational improvement.
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LBO Modeling: 5 Common Traps TECHNICAL
Breaks down five subtle LBO traps that trip up analysts — get the insider’s edge.
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Middle Market Definition (LMM / MM / UMM) REFERENCE
Practitioner’s guide to the U.S. middle market: clear definition, LMM/Core/UMM ranges (revenue, EBITDA, EV), multiples, buy-and-build flywheel, financing map, and FAQs.
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Private Equity Salary — Base, Bonus & Carry by Level COMP DATA
PE pay by level — analyst to MD. Base & bonus bands, carry math (MoIC), MM vs. MF, geography premiums, and a negotiation checklist.
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$150M Distribution LBO — 60-Minute Excel Lab CASE STUDY
Hands-on case study: build a mini-LBO, model ABL borrowing base & WC shocks. Includes a downloadable Excel model.
🚀 Career Playbook
The unwritten rules for breaking in — recruiting timelines, interview prep, networking scripts, and proven templates.
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How to Break Into Private Equity — The Complete Guide FLAGSHIP
Step-by-step playbook on breaking into PE — built from real experience, not recycled advice.
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Middle Market vs. Mega-Fund Careers CAREERS
Where 80% of deals actually happen and why the middle market is your highest-probability path to a PE role.
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Private Equity Interview Questions (Middle-Market Guide) INTERVIEW
MM/LMM prep: 2-minute deal walks, paper LBO cadence, ABL/borrowing base, coverage bands (ICR/FCCR), and tight behavioral frameworks.
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PE Interview Strategy (3-Pillar Framework) CAREER TOOLKIT
Tactical framework for technical, behavioral, and fit prep; kept as a supporting career resource.
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Off-Cycle PE Recruiting Timeline RECRUITING
Month-by-month windows (US & EU), application cadence, and hiring signals — turn chaos into a weekly system.
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Networking That Gets You Interviews NETWORKING
Real-world strategies for cold outreach that actually gets responses — templates, tier lists, and insider tips.
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Crafting a PE Résumé That Gets Callbacks TEMPLATE
Showcase your background the right way — with tips, real examples, and a downloadable Word/PDF template.
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Investment Banking vs. Private Equity — Hours, Pay & Exits CAREERS
Plain-English comparison of roles, work, hours, compensation, recruiting (on/off-cycle), and who should pick which — especially in the middle market.