Philip Johansson has built a career driven by curiosity, collaboration, and a passion for creating long-term impact. Today, he works in Client Relations & Capital Raising at one of the world’s leading investment organizations, where he combines strategic thinking with relationship building in the fast-paced world of private equity.
Philip works in EQT’s Client Relations and Capital Raising team, where he helps drive fundraising and client service activities across the firm’s business lines and funds. He is currently focused on infrastructure fundraises, an area he finds especially exciting.
“The private equity industry is deeply intriguing to me,” Philip says. “I am particularly drawn to its capacity to drive positive impact by actively developing and enhancing companies.”
What attracted him to the capital-raising side of the business was the opportunity to work across a variety of strategies and industries while collaborating with ambitious colleagues in a high-performing environment.
“It is truly inspiring to work at EQT alongside intelligent and motivated individuals,” he explains. “This environment pushes me to perform at my best and continually seek improvement.”
Philip chose to study finance at SSE because of its strong academic foundation and practical learning approach. He especially valued the use of real-life case studies throughout the programs.
“Instead of just reading textbooks, I had the opportunity to apply my knowledge to real-world situations,” he says.
I believe the way the program is/was structured with the case study methodology taught me practical problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which I have directly applied in my career. Also, interacting with high-achieving peers inspired me to always strive for excellence.
For current students, he encourages gaining practical experience through internships, staying open to different career paths, and making the most of the university experience.
“Don’t feel pressured to follow a predefined path,” Philip advises. “Explore what genuinely interests you.”
Looking back, Philip sums up his time at SSE in three words:
“Memorable, fun, hard work!”