Internship Salary Discussion/Expectations - Thoughts?

I'm applying to b-school and from now to summer would like to try and do something I've had an interest in but didn't have prior experience - Venture Capital. There's a small team I know that might consider a contract/internship and they asked what my salary expectations are.

So now here's the thing, what I am most interested in getting out of this is the VC/operations/startup experience, and also to close up my resume gap for b-school applications. I'm not looking to squeeze every $ out of the VC's budget. Also, while I have good IB experience, VC is quite different (than say PE where IB exp is helpful) and requires a different skill set. I'm hesitant to suggest too high a figure because this firm isn't actively looking for an intern/contract, it feels like more of a favor they are doing for me if there is an opportunity and I don't want to come off entitled or stop the conversation before it starts. But, I don't want to quote too low a figure because I think that sends a message of naivete or lack of confidence.

So I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions on how I should respond. I was thinking of saying something like "I made $XX at ABC but I recognize this is a new field for me and I am primarily interested in gaining great experience in VC. I was thinking of $XX/hr (or $XX/yr) which is what I've read is a typical intern salary in the field. But I'm happy to hear your thoughts."

8 Comments
 
Term Loan B

Thanks Discounted, what's your reasoning for maybe leaving that out?

Reason I was thinking of including it was because that was a point that was made by them - recognizing I have good IB exp, but not any prior VC exp. So it's really more acknowledging it...

I think that the fact that you're acknowledging that you're in it for the great experience and referencing 'TYPICAL' salary levels, there's no reason to reiterate that you lack experience. But that's just my 2 cents.

 

I agree with Discounted -- "recognize this is a new field for me" isn't necessary. I'm assume you're pretty sharp -- don't sell yourself short. If I were you, I'd probably look at what the average VC summer internship pay is from the Top 5-10 MBA employment reports and annualize it then use that # as a starting point.

 
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