Abhishek Bapat’s Journey From Intern to Private Equity Associate with Define Capital
At the start of the summer semester, Schulich graduate Abhishek Bapat (MBA ‘24) encountered an exciting opportunity that would soon shape his career in private equity. When he discovered an opening for a Private Equity Associate at Define Capital, Bapat took a bold step, reaching out directly to Define’s founder, Narbe Alexandrian, on LinkedIn. To his surprise, Alexandrian responded quickly and invited him to an interview – marking a significant step toward what would become a transformative career milestone.
As Abhishek prepared his application, he found his collaboration with Schulich’s Centre for Career Design (CCD) to be invaluable. After several conversations with Miles Collyer, Associate Director, Corporate Relations, Bapat had polished application materials and was well-prepared for the job search. He was guided through the application process, provided essential resume and cover letter feedback, and connected with industry professionals through various networking events. This support gave Bapat both the confidence and insights he needed to stand out.
With the interview approaching, Bapat focused on building a solid foundation in private equity, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of the field. Schulich’s Bloomberg terminals, Capital IQ access, and Globe and Mail resources provided him with insights into industry practices and market dynamics. Additionally, Bapat sought guidance from finance-savvy friends, colleagues, and Schulich professors like Supinder Babra and Gregory Pau, all of whom helped him solidify his understanding of the private equity landscape.
After a successful internship, Bapat received an offer to join Define Capital as a Private Equity Associate, becoming the company’s first official employee. Reflecting on his journey, Bapat credits much of his success to the CCD’s support, which equipped him with skills, connections, and knowledge that were instrumental in helping him achieve this career milestone.
Reflecting on his journey, Bapat shares, “Every opportunity to learn and connect is a step towards growth. Embrace it, and it will shape your journey in ways you can’t predict.”