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Greg Jania Wabash ’93 Partner WP Global Partners

What was your career path after Wabash?
-After graduating in 1993, I was selected for the Archer Daniels Midland training program. After a year, I decided that this opportunity would not provide the financial experience I wanted, so I used the Wabash alumni connection to find a position in Chicago.  I went to work for American National Bank, now Chase, as a credit analyst and eventually became a Vice President. While at the bank, I earned an M.B.A from the University of Chicago. After receiving my degree, I joined the private equity group at the Bank.  After the Bank One merger, I went to work for GE as a Senior Vice President in their private equity group.  After 3 years at GE, I decided to form an investment management company focused on alternative assets with several other associates whom I had known for several years.  Our new firm is called WP Global Partners and is headquartered in Chicago with offices in New York and Los Angeles.  We currently have $500 million under management and invest for international institutions and high net worth individuals.

What exactly does a Private Equity firm do?
-We invest in buyouts of private companies and provide growth capital or venture capital to emerging technology or healthcare companies.  Our firm also invests in other private equity managers as a fund of funds.  I enjoy helping new businesses get started or grow as well as learning about new technologies.

You’ve managed to achieve a certain level of success – to what do you attribute this?
-I think a lot of it has to do with the work ethic my parents instilled in me and the development and focus of that ethic at Wabash and beyond. I have also tried to listen to smarter people than myself to learn from their successes and failures.  Finally, I always tell myself that I can do better whether it is at work or as a husband or father.  I don’t want to get lazy or complacent. 

For students planning on entering the field of Private Equity, what are the biggest obstacles to success?
-Because the field is so narrow, it is rather exclusive. Additionally, private equity firms almost always hire people with previous finance experience. Most people that end up in private equity start out as investment bankers, consultants, financial analysts or operators.   The competition for entry into the training programs in investment banking, consulting and financial or credit analyst programs is rather stiff.  My advice to students is to apply early. If you don’t get accepted into the program you want, try to find another job with the company you like and move into the program you want once you establish yourself.  Or look for a position with a smaller boutique firm in the industry.

Do you have any other advice for students?
-Do not expect your first job out of college to be your last job.  In your first position after college you need to develop a skill set and discover your career interests.  If you don’t get the job want, get a job that gives you the most training or options.  Take advantage of as many opportunities as possible: internships are crucial! Because most fields are so competitive, anything below a 3.0 G.P.A and you’re behind the curve. However, if you work hard in any job you take, you’ll find that the skills you obtained at Wabash will help you succeed. Last but not least, find something to do after Wabash – take more classes or get a less attractive position but do something to keep active and developing your skill set and network.