I'm currently a Senior ready to graduate early in December. I've interned at a wide range of places from BB's to fixed income shops etc. All throughout this I've tried to convince myself that I could do work in trading or something like this, however after now having an offer at a hedge fund as an analyst, I now know that this isn't something I can do 100%.
I've been an entrepreneur my whole life, and have pitched one of my ideas to VC's collectively worth well over a billion. I want to be in VC more than anything. I especially want to be in VC in Boston, but would also do NYC. I went to a target school, don't have an amazing GPA, but have great experience, and know the tech industry better than most.
I've started cold emailing all the VC and PE firms in Boston that are in the WSO Company Database, but I'm not sure what to do. I basically have until early December to try and find an offer, and I love the hedge fund, but I just don't know where my passion lies. I just want to be an analyst and break in so badly.
Kind of a rant, but looking for any sort of advice or something to help me out. I know VC is an EXTREMELY difficult industry to break in to out of undergrad, but I honestly don't see myself being 100% fulfilled unless I do.
HF -> VC after a short while? If you're good enough to skip the whole banking/trading thing, you'll be good enough to leverage HF towards a VC gig. DON'T decline the HF offer though, because you'll fuck yourself for recruiting.....it's easier to get something if you have something, and a good job is a great bargaining chip.
Just my opinion.
Unfortunately, it is very unlikely that you will be hired by a vc firm straight out of undergrad. Entry-level positions usually start at the Associate level, and it's usually for people with either: a) the right networks or b) the right industry + finance experience. Even so, opportunities at the associate level are extremely thin.
If you think VC is your lifelong calling, then - in theory - you should be okay taking the necessary steps (ie, starting your own tech company, working for a tech startup, work in IB TMT, or tech-focused PE shop) to set yourself up in maybe a couple of years. It will be worth the wait.
I like your post's pic tho ;)
Not sure how possible it is. I obviously won't reject the HF offer if it means I don't have another job. Its just tough graduating and coming to the realization that you might not love your job on a daily basis.
I think that's one of the first lessons you learn going in to the real world. Most of the jobs out there - particularly entry-level positions - require a fair amount of mundane tasks and eating shit. Even a job or career you are truly passionate about will have things about it you don't necessarily enjoy. On the flip side, there are things that you will probably enjoy working in a HF that you don't know about quite yet. Be open to learn new things while keeping your sight on the bigger picture (working in a VC firm) - seems to me you can get there in due time.
agree with the comments made by others. VCs invest money on behalf of others. And because you "know tech industry better than most" and have "pitched ideas" that qualifies you to invest millions on behalf of others? Unless your last name is Zuckerberg, highly unlikely your ideal job will fall in your lap.
Instead, using your entrepreneurial drive, start your own business.
I don't think I'm qualified to be an MD at a VC firm, but yes, I do believe I would be a fine analyst. I really would work at the bottom of the totem pole at VC to get in to the industry...Why take it to an extreme and act as if I said I ran the world and knew everything?
Union Sq Ventures was recently looking for a junior employee. Think you've probably missed their submission cut-off though. Would be an awesome place to work.
SDeep24, have you ever started a startup? If so, what type?
OP, is the hedge fund located in Boston? In my way of thinking, you can meet lots of VC people nights/weekends, and jump in when you get a head's up on an opening....
VC analysts usually come in with the title of "associate," and they do bus dev primarily. To be making investment decisions, or to be really involved enough to open your own firm/raise capital, the most common route is similar to that of Peter Thiel - start your own company and work it up, and sell it off. Use that experience and money to help secure more funds and then fund other start ups. If you have questions or would like some suggestions, PM me.
Bessemer Ventures is still looking for an Pre-MBA associate in NY - I interviewed for it.
Where'd you see this posting?
bump because for some reason this isn't actually bumping with my posts..
Bain had an opening for an analyst at their VC fund in Boston. It was on my school's job board about a month ago, haven't check again since.
VC is going through a Darwinian contraction right now. Fewer places are hiring at the pre-partner level. If you don't want to continue the entrepreneurial route you may want to look into Venture divisions within Fortune 100 companies, then moving to traditional VC. PM me if you want to talk more about it. I'm in a similar boat.
If you are an entrepreneur you claim that you've been, why don't you start showing what you can really produce instead of just pitching and proclaiming with a billion dollar price tag?
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