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Support for non-traditional candidates

• Strategies to emphasize transferable skills and bridge experience gaps.
• Guidance on lateral moves, internships, or rotational programs to build credibility.

Lika Petitt is the Co-Founder of First Point Partners, a private equity executive search firm specialising in the placement of investment professionals across Europe. Approximately 40% of her candidate placements involve cross-border relocations, reflecting her deep understanding of the international private equity landscape.

She began her career at London-based search firm Walker Hamill, where she worked with junior professionals seeking to transition into mid to large-cap funds. She then moved into the industry, holding roles in origination at UK-based fund Chiltern Capital and in Investor Relations at Pantheon. Having been a candidate, a client, and a recruitment executive, Lika offers a rare, 360-degree perspective on what it takes to succeed in this highly competitive industry.

Lika holds an MSc in the Neuroscience and Psychology of Mental Health from King’s College London and an MSc in Psychology from Birkbeck, University of London. With over a decade of experience working with candidates, she is also accredited by the British Psychological Society.

References

‘I was assisted by Lika on understanding where my strengths and niche was within the private equity fundraising space.

We spent a few sessions strategising a move from the consulting world to private equity and with the assistance of Lika and her network, I was able to speak and discuss the move with peers to truly understand the role and responsibilities.

I want to thank Lika for all your support and guidance it assisting me finding my true potential!’

'When we first met, Lika no nonsense told me I was completely irrelevant for the private equity industry and outlined what experience I needed at this stage of my career.

Over the years she has coached me through interview processes, helped edit my CV and acted as my mentor at every step of the way. She really believed in me. Now I am working in an established private equity fund. I would not be where I am today if not for her.'

'I was recommended to speak with Lika and now I understand why! Thank you so much for your time and advice on a whole number of areas. I only wish I had spoken to you earlier in my career.

Despite knowing me for one hour everything she said about the type of work I would most enjoy was scarily accurate.

I value her insight as it helped me move forwards in my career with more assurance.'

Questions?

Blog Posts

Further reading on how best to position yourself to land a job in private equity

The 'I Don't Know What I Want'​ Career Conundrum.  Questions to Help You Focus.

One of the best parts of being a recruiter is that we have had the privilege to speak with thousands of candidates from a specific industry. Which means we can track candidates through various stages of their careers - their successes, failures and everything else in between. We see the candidate's present, learn about their past and can ultimately guide them towards a superior future by helping them avoid the mistakes made by those who came before them. 

Here's What You Need To Make The Optimal Career Move.

Many candidates do not realise that they are the CEO of their own career. Scared to make mistakes they seek reassurance, stick to a path well-trodden or simply sit idle waiting for market opportunities to come their way. However, a phenomenal CEO is not passive. A phenomenal CEO has a robust understanding of market conditions, is prepared to take calculated risks, learns from setbacks, thinks strategically and proactively forges ahead. The single most important thing you can do for yourself when job hunting? 

From Poundstretcher to Private Equity. On Finding Purpose Through Work.

People chase this elusive thing called purpose as if it is the answer to life and all their problems. The holy grail of career enlightenment. But real purpose cannot be chased because it is not a destination and it is not static. Purpose is the internal self creating something of value into the world. Purpose is alignment. Specifically alignment with self. Purpose doesn’t need to be chased because it is already there - found within.