Our Investment Success is a Result of Our Culture

Investing in Change

Recruited associates join a specific investment group for the duration of the program that allows them to gain evaluation, diligence and underwriting exposure to new opportunities as well as participate in portfolio company management of existing investments

Many of our investment partners began their AEA careers in the Associate Program, which is designed to train and mentor future thinkers and value creators in a collaborative environment with exposure to professionals firmwide. Many of our associates have gone on to pursue a wide range of opportunities, including promotion within AEA, business school, roles at other investment firms and entrepreneurial ventures leading business operations

Investing in Change

We value attracting, retaining and furthering the professional development of talented women

The Women’s Leadership Network (“WLN”) provides our female professionals with access to opportunities to network and build relationships across the firm, develop and hone leadership skills and collaborate with one another, with the goal of advancing their careers. We believe the WLN encourages diversity of thought and demonstrates AEA’s commitment to inclusivity and developing diversity in leadership

WLN Highlights:

• Content driven events including keynote speakers and roundtable discussions to help drive important conversations in and out of the workplace and develop key skills to advance in leadership roles
• Social events to build and strengthen bonds among AEA’s female professionals and between WLN members and other professionals at AEA
• Firm level programs, involving employees across all levels and groups, that highlight social issues, including and beyond gender diversity
• Establishment of cross-group mentor-mentee relationships

Investing in Change

AEA is a partner to the Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (“SEO”) Alternative Investments Fellowship Program (“AIFP”)

AIFP sponsors educate, mentor and provide access to first and second-year investment banking analysts who are traditionally underrepresented in the alternatives industry. AEA commits to mentoring new fellows every year through junior and senior-level AEA employee participation

SEO Program Highlights:

• Promote diversity in the alternatives sector
• Provide AIFP Fellows differentiated access to career development and advancement
• Maintain meaningful connections with in-depth exposure and hands on mentorship

Investing in Change

AEA launched its inaugural summer internship program in 2021, which targets students enrolled at historically black colleges and universities

Over a 10-week period, summer interns gain valuable alternatives experience by rotating through AEA’s investment groups, including AEA MMPE, AEA SBF and AEA Private Debt, and our robust training program. In addition, each intern is assigned an AEA mentor to provide guidance and support throughout the program

Internship Program Purpose:

• Provide early investing exposure to talented diverse students
• Position interns competitively for future career opportunities, regardless of their field of choice
• Facilitate long-term relationships among summer interns and throughout AEA

Investing in Change

AEA is committed to empowering all employees to feel comfortable being their full, authentic selves at work. By continually investing in our talent pipeline, we are able to attract and retain diverse individuals who know what we stand for.

AEA has been a sponsor for Out 4 Undergrad since 2015. As a firm, we are steadfastly committed to attracting diverse talent from different backgrounds, including gender, race and sexual orientation. Out 4 Undergrad has become an important source of our talent pipeline for undergraduates in the banking and consulting space that are seeking a buyside role after completing their 2- or 3-year programs. We are proud to show our support for the organization which underscores AEA’s commitment to ensuring that everyone can be their authentic selves at work

Out 4 Undergrad Highlights:

• Annual conference with notable keynote speakers that gathers 300+ students and over 50+ sponsors
• As a platinum sponsor, AEA has had the opportunity to speak on various panels, on topics such as buyside & alternative financial careers and business school, and act as mentors to diverse groups of students seeking careers in the financial services sector
• AEA has consistently had LGBTQ+ representation across its associate classes
• Two current Out 4 Undergrad Board members are prior AEA talent