When I decided to delve deeper into the realm of private equity, choosing the right programme and institution was crucial. The decision to pursue this path at Saïd Business School wasn't only about the prestige, but also about the comprehensive and practical learning experience it promised.
Having a solid background in real estate, my goal was to bridge my expertise with the intricacies of private equity. Oxford's reputation for excellence, particularly in their specialised programmes, made it an obvious choice. My decision to attend the Private Equity Programme was easy after attending the Real Estate Programme in 2022, where I learned about the exceptional faculty and content of the Private Equity Programme. The feedback from peers and the emphasis on real-world application were the tipping points for me.
Since completing the programme, I've gained a broader understanding of how private equity interlinks with real estate. In addition, the community aspect post-programme has been incredibly impactful on my professional network.
The Oxford experience
Going into the programme, my primary objective was to learn how to structure complex deals and build a solid investment portfolio. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application exceeded my expectations. The curriculum was designed to provide a thorough understanding of private equity practices, making it an immersive and enriching experience. It is true that one week is not enough to cover a field as vast as private equity, but it was the right amount of time to cover key elements.
For example, the most beneficial parts of the programme for me were undoubtedly the sessions on fundraising and capital structure. These topics are directly applicable to my daily workload and have provided me with valuable insights. However, I found the capital structure module to be the most challenging. Coming from an equity-focused background, navigating through debt deals with varying lengths, interest rates and payment priorities was complex. Yet this challenge was a significant learning opportunity, broadening my understanding of financial structures.
Key takeaways
One of the key takeaways from the capital raising module was the importance of having a clear exit strategy in any investment, not just to ensure profitability but to ensure liquidity; a golden asset nowadays. Additionally, understanding the appropriate level of leverage for a business based on risk analysis has been a game-changer in my approach to capital structure.
The fresh knowledge about private equity has enabled me, a real estate portfolio manager, to better compete in the investment landscape. The programme’s emphasis on practical application, facilitated by guest speakers who bring real-world insights, ensures a comprehensive learning experience. Our cohort was a great combination of 20 different nationalities, adding a diverse range of perspectives to our discussions and projects.
A lasting impact
The community aspect post-programme has been incredibly impactful on my professional network. The connections I made have been invaluable, providing contacts who are open to sharing insights and opportunities across borders. For example, I am now in contact with private bankers from a Swiss bank willing to finance (through debt structure) real estate deals involving the acquisition of assets with stabilised cash flows in Latin America, a region with strong demographic fundamentals that still delivers double-digit returns.
Final thoughts
Oxford’s Private Equity Programme has enhanced my professional skills and broadened my horizons beyond real estate. For anyone considering Oxford’s programmes, my advice is simple: do it. The quality of education, the expertise of the faculty, and the dynamic learning environment are unparalleled. The blend of theory and practice, facilitated by guest speakers who bring real-world insights, ensures a comprehensive learning experience.
In summary, if you’re looking to advance your career and expand your knowledge in a world-class environment, Saïd Business School is the place to be. The impact on your professional growth and the valuable network you build are beyond measure.
