Why TCW Group: Interviews, Careers, & Portfolio

Learn about the interview process, compensation, and investment focus and portfolio of TCW Group
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    TCW Group Overview

    TCW Group is a prominent global asset management firm with fifty years of experience.

    They offer various investment products in fixed income, equities, emerging markets, and alternative investments.  TCW serves a diverse client base, including major corporate and public pension plans, financial institutions, endowments, foundations, financial advisors, and high-net-worth individuals.

    Established in 1971 by Robert Addison Day and based in Los Angeles, TCW was initially known as the Trust Company of the West.

    The firm works with both U.S. and international investors, maintaining a significant presence in the asset management industry.

    tcw group logo

    TCW Group AUM

    According to the firm’s official website, TCW Group has $204 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2024.

    TCW Group Interview Process & Questions

    While interview processes can vary, if you’re interviewing with TCW Group or a similar firm, you can generally expect the following:

    • Around 4 to 6 interview rounds
    • Initial interviews typically conducted by junior investment professionals or the HR team, with senior staff handling later rounds
    • Interviews at TCW Group will include a mix of fit, behavioral, and technical/investing questions.

    The entire process usually spans several weeks, except for “on-cycle” or “on-campus” recruiting

    If you need help with preparation, consider using my Growth Equity Interview Guide.

    Why TCW Group

    “Why this firm?” is a common and crucial interview question.

    If you’ve networked with people at the firm, mention those connections and how they positively influenced your perception of the company.

    A great way to learn about a firm is by listening to interviews with its founders or investors.

    For example, here’s a great interview with TCW Group CEO Katie Koch:

    YouTube video

    More Interview

    TCW Group Case Study

    During interviews, candidates frequently encounter case studies, which firms use to evaluate technical expertise and communication skills.

    At firms such as TCW Group, case studies typically center around financial modeling and investment recommendations. Additionally, junior positions may involve a cold calling case study.

    For case study preparation, check out my Growth Equity Interview Guide.

    TCW Group Salary & Compensation

    According to Glassdoor, TCW Group offers (median) salaries of $102K and $166K per year to their analysts and associates, respectively. Figures may vary depending on the candidate’s past experience, education level, and other factors which TCW may consider.

    Analyst

    tcw group salary

    Associate

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    TCW Group Careers, Jobs, & Internships

    To view the latest opportunities at the top growth and VC firms, including TCW Group, check out our job board.

    TCW Group Portfolio & Investments

    According to Crunchbase, The TCW Group has made 11 investments across two funds. Some of their notable deals include True Religion, Corcentric, and Kabbage.

    Notable Transaction: Engine No. 1

    On October 16, 2023, TCW Group announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Engine No. 1’s exchange-traded fund (ETF) business and infrastructure.

    As part of the agreement, TCW now owns Engine No. 1’s Transform ETF platform, including the Transform Climate ETF (NETZ), Transform Supply Chain ETF (SUPP), and Transform 500 ETF (VOTE). These ETFs collectively manage over $600 million in U.S. equity focused on supply chain onshoring, energy transition, and large-and-mid-cap stocks.

    This acquisition broadens TCW’s investment offerings for clients and introduces expertise in tax-advantaged ETFs. The Transform ETF platform enhances TCW’s capabilities, providing the foundation to potentially expand into other active core and thematic strategies.

    Following the transaction’s completion, Jennifer Grancio, former CEO of Engine No. 1, assumed the role of TCW’s Global Head of Wealth.

    Next Steps

    If you decide to be one of the professional investors at TCW Group, I highly recommend checking out my Growth Equity Interview Guide.

    Professionals who want to break into growth equity use this self-paced online course to increase their chances of securing their target role. The course covers concepts which usually show up during interviews such as case studies, financial modeling, and more.

    Start preparing for your interviews today!

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