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Business Development Analyst at First Gen Corporation

Interview Guide

First Gen Corporation

· Reviewed by the Kareera team

Role Overview

The Business Development Analyst role at First Gen Corporation is an entry-level, business-facing analytical position that supports the company's Business Development Group in evaluating new opportunities in the Philippine power generation sector. Day-to-day responsibilities involve conducting market studies and industry monitoring to track energy trends, regulatory changes, and competitor activities. You will develop and maintain financial models used to assess potential business development initiatives, prepare project feasibility studies, and support due diligence for investments or partnerships. The role also includes co-managing special projects, which may range from renewable energy exploration to process improvements.

First Gen is the country's leading clean and renewable energy company, operating natural gas, geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar power plants. As a Business Development Analyst, your work directly contributes to the company's growth strategy by identifying and analyzing viable power projects. You are not expected to be an engineer or deep technical expert; instead, the focus is on strong quantitative and analytical skills applied to business problems in the energy context. This role is distinct from data science or software development positions, and does not involve plant operations or maintenance.

The company looks for candidates with a Bachelor's degree in any business-related course, such as Business Administration, Economics, Finance, or Management. Fresh graduates are encouraged to apply, and prior experience is not required. However, you must demonstrate strong skills in Microsoft Excel and comfort with financial concepts. First Gen values individuals who can think critically, communicate findings clearly, and show genuine interest in the power industry. The role is based in Ugong, Pasig, with a hybrid work arrangement.

Interview Process

  1. 1

    Resume Screening

    Your application is reviewed for a business-related degree and any evidence of quantitative skills or Excel proficiency.

  2. 2

    HR Interview

    A conversation with HR to assess your background, motivation, and fit with First Gen's culture, typically via phone or video call.

  3. 3

    Hiring Manager Interview

    An in-depth discussion with the business development lead, often including questions on market analysis, financial models, and a case discussion.

  4. 4

    Excel or Analytical Exercise

    You may be asked to build a simple financial model or analyze data in Excel to demonstrate your technical capability.

  5. 5

    Job Offer

    Successful candidates receive an offer detailing compensation and benefits, with the role based in Ugong, Pasig under hybrid work.

The interview process for the Business Development Analyst position at First Gen Corporation is not publicly documented in detail, but it typically follows the general pattern for analytical roles in Philippine corporate business development. After an initial resume screening, candidates shortlisted for an interview usually go through an HR interview that assesses basic qualifications, cultural fit, and communication skills. This is often followed by one or more interviews with the hiring manager or members of the Business Development Group, where the focus shifts to your analytical thinking and understanding of business concepts.

Because the role heavily involves financial modeling and feasibility studies, you should expect a technical component that may include discussing a sample model, walking through a mini case, or completing an Excel assessment. Some candidates report being asked to perform a quick financial calculation or analyze a simplified energy project scenario. The exact steps can vary depending on the number of applicants and the specific needs of the hiring team, but the overall duration from application to offer is often a few weeks. The company looks for eagerness to learn, so for fresh graduates, the process balances testing current skills with gauging long-term potential.

Interview Questions

Practice the actual questions asked for this role, with sample STAR answers, in the Question Bank:

Interview Tips

To stand out in the Business Development Analyst interview at First Gen, prepare to discuss the Philippine power industry in a structured way. Read up on the company's existing portfolio (natural gas, geothermal, hydro, wind, solar) and recent news about energy policies or market developments. Even as a fresh graduate, you can demonstrate awareness by summarizing how factors like the Renewable Energy Act or fluctuating fuel prices might affect power generation businesses. This shows the hiring manager that you have the curiosity and business sense needed for the role.

The heart of the role is financial modeling, so practice building a discounted cash flow model or a project finance template in Excel. Be ready to explain your assumptions and how you would evaluate a hypothetical power plant investment. If you have done relevant case studies in school or during an internship, use them as talking points. First Gen's interviewers will likely probe your analytical thinking rather than expect perfect models; clarity of logic matters more than complex formulas.

Finally, convey genuine enthusiasm for the energy sector and for First Gen's mission of providing clean power. This is not a back-office number-crunching job but a role that influences real investment decisions. Ask thoughtful questions about the Business Development Group's current priorities or the types of projects you would work on. Since the work setup is hybrid, express your ability to collaborate effectively both in the Pasig office and remotely.

FAQs

What exactly does a Business Development Analyst do at First Gen Corporation?

You will conduct market studies, monitor industry trends, build financial models, support project feasibility studies and due diligence, and help manage special projects for the Business Development Group. It is a business-facing role focused on evaluating new power generation opportunities, not an engineering or IT position.

Is the Business Development Analyst role open to fresh graduates?

Yes, the job posting explicitly welcomes fresh graduates with a Bachelor's degree in any business-related course. Strong quantitative skills and Excel proficiency are more important than professional experience.

What should I expect in the interview for this role?

Expect a multi-step process that may include an HR screening, a hiring manager interview with case discussions or financial model questions, and possibly an Excel exercise. The exact steps can vary, but the focus is on your analytical mindset and interest in the power industry.

Do I need to know advanced financial modeling before applying?

You should be comfortable with Excel and basic financial concepts. The company tests your ability to think through a model rather than demanding mastery of complex techniques. As a fresh graduate, you can build your modeling skills on the job.

Where is the office located and what is the work setup?

The role is based in Ugong, Pasig, with a hybrid work arrangement. This means you will spend part of your week working from the office and the rest remotely, as coordinated with your team.