Berkeley -> Top VC firm

What would I need to do in order to get into a top Silicon Valley VC or Consulting firm if I am a UC Berkeley electrical engineering and computer science major?

Also, is it feasible to have normal working hours (no more than 60 hours a week) as a VC in the Silicon Valley? If it is, what kind of pay can I expect at the start, and later on in my career?

Thank you.

 

Your best shot is to get some operational experience in your field first. Then after a few years you should go get your MBA. All this while, you should be building some serious contacts in the industry.

Then, after an MBA, you should have a shot. Or you could take a similar route but without going to B-School. Key word here is contacts, VC in Silicon Valley is a small community and references is really your best shot at landing a job.

VC hours are usually 7/8 am - 7 pm, so 60 hours is usually the norm.

The pay is highly dependent on the firm so you'll have to do your own research into this. Assume you'll enter the firm as a senior associate.

 

Wouldn't MBA programs want someone with leadership experience (aka not a regular programmer), so essentially, I would have to try to get into engineering management to have a shot at a top B school?

 

They don't necessarily look for leadership experience. I meet tons of Engineers at the B-School without any kind of leadership experience. If you rise quickly within a reputed firm, have good recommendations etc you should have a shot at a decent MBA program.

Another thing, you should be aware that the road to a VC career is pretty long, and the odds of penetrating the industry are weighted against you.

 
Best Response

and are in EECS then all you need to do is graduate. I don't know much about VC but Consulting Companies like McKinsey have thier own recruiting seperate from the b-school and the rest of undergrads. That is they come two times to campus and one of those sessions is only for engineering students. i don't go there but I have heard that EECS is one of the hardest majors at that school and I really don't think you should have any problem getting into VC/MC. You check with your career center, but I have heard of people with that major at that school who work for GS/MS/top PE Shops/ consulting like bain/McKinsey with 2.6-3.2

As for what you need I would suggest taking some business classes and get internships and you should be set. Good luck!

 
maco:
and are in EECS then all you need to do is graduate. I don't know much about VC but Consulting Companies like McKinsey have thier own recruiting seperate from the b-school and the rest of undergrads. That is they come two times to campus and one of those sessions is only for engineering students. i don't go there but I have heard that EECS is one of the hardest majors at that school and I really don't think you should have any problem getting into VC/MC. You check with your career center, but I have heard of people with that major at that school who work for GS/MS/top PE Shops/ consulting like bain/McKinsey with 2.6-3.2

As for what you need I would suggest taking some business classes and get internships and you should be set. Good luck!

There is no "easy" or "standard" way to get into VC. I have seen analysts/associates at VC firms that are almost 30, and have 3-5 years of operational experience in the field that they are covering.

MC on the other hand, sure.

 

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