Is this normal for VC in London? Career advice needed
Hi,
Currently completing an internship in VC, this one being in London. My fund is pretty well known I think, perhaps a tier below Atomico if not on the same level. I now have recruiters coming forward with potential analyst roles, but I am seriously reconsidering this industry. My primary problems are:
- Hours: currently pushing 70-80 hour weeks (not as bad as banking, but hours are specifically why I am not looking to go into banking or PE)
- Pay: only ~£35k
If I am to work this many hours, then my expectation would be more in the £40-50k range. So my questions are:
- What are the hours like across other top funds (Balderton, Atomico, Northzone, GFC, MVM etc...)?
- What is pay like for analysts in general?
- Same as the above two questions, but instead for corporate VC, so like Johnson & Johnson Innovation, SrOne, etc...
I am currently strongly considering moving into other investment industries, and maybe consulting (had a few gigs thrown at me in the range of ~£45k). It would therefore be really useful if anyone could also share whether graduate HF roles in L/S equity fundamental funds (e.g. DE Shaw) pay at least £40-45k in London, and if hours are 70 or less (60hrs being the sweet spot).
Thanks guys!!
PS = Pound Sterling, not sure why WSO changes British Pound to PS...
Bump, interested to hear from someone with knowledge on the matter
I work at one of the funds you mentioned and sorry to burst your bubble - you won't work below 60-80 hours in any of the shops you mentioned. Those hours are very chill if you compare it to other buyside gigs, banking or consulting. You gotta pay the dues at junior levels if you want to earn the big bucks one day!
CVCs pay way less and analyst gigs in the regular VC industry out here are very rare as most funds start hiring on associate level with 2-3 years full time experience requirement.
Also, on a personal note: maybe reconsider what you are really passionate about? Minimising hours should be the last thing you are worried about straight out of college if you're doing what you love.......
Thanks for the reply, as this finally places everything into perspective.
About the last bit, I (un)fortunately find myself in a situation that makes working anything beyond 70hrs only possible with significant personal cost. So regardless of how much I may enjoy what I do, I still have to balance it against the expenses I face and the needs of my own personal life.
Any chance I could PM you?
Does your girlfriend work in marketing?
Haha. Smart question. Don't wanna give too much away. Just think of me as a married man, and what I'm dealing with is more of "do you want to see your kids grow?"
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