MBB consulting --> pre-mba VC position
Hey all,
I'm currently a consultant at MBB, and I'm looking to go through the interview process with top VC firms that play in the Clean Energy, tech-based consumer, and healthcare verticals.
Do headhunters actively recruit on behalf of the DFJs, Silver Lake Kraftwerks of the world? Or are the pre-MBA associate positions at these firms typically filled through knowing someone that gets your resume reviewed?
I'd appreciate any pointers. Thanks and happy holidays.
Setting up for Venture Capital after consulting (Originally Posted: 01/09/2012)
Hey all,
In first year at MBB and trying to think about life afterwards, what I'd like to do, etc..
One thing that interests me is VC and I'm trying to learn as much about it as possible.
Apart from research, networking, what can I do at work to help make me a strong candidate for VC after my term is up? Is it as simple as getting staffed on projects in VC friendly areas (i.e. cloud computing, cleantech, to name/oversimplify a few)?
Advice from anyone who has thought about/made the transition is much appreciated.
Thanks!
Good question! I would like to hear about this as well.
bump
I guess no one wants to show some love lol
Run a search. I'm basically going to give a shoddy, watered down version of what I've read + friends I know who work at VC firms.
VC is uniquely difficult to break into, since it's so small in size. It's very top heavy, and they only have a few (if even more than 1) monkey going around crunching numbers. And those number crunchers don't carry much weight in making investment decisions. As the saying goes, "VC should be your last job" as in, when you have boatloads of money and you can start a VC. That's when it's fun.
To break into it, there's no standard. The best thing you can do is start a company in a certain industry and go gang-busters and sell it for a killing (or even a good enough margin to make you legit, like juicycampus.com or something popularity). And trying to aim for that type of success is like trying to hit jackpot, so good luck with that.
If you're a science background (undergrad or PHD) that helps in focused areas.
Occasionally a finance guy gets in, but that's very rare (I know 1 Harvard top-of-class contact of mine who got into a VC firm of 3 people).
Good luck, I wish the best for ya, but understand WHY you want to get into the industry and then appropriately align that with what LEVEL you want to enter at :)
consulting -> VC? (Originally Posted: 11/19/2012)
How easy is it to move from a top consulting firm to VC? Do you need an MBA first?
not easy. but you certainly dont need an mba. it does help if you have a tech type of degree (engineering) though.
Roofstreet is right. It's not easy, but doable (like consulting -> PE). Helps to have a relevant degree and working in relevant verticals (=tech sector) and horizontals (=strategy, due diligence, M&A).
Move to VC from Consulting (Originally Posted: 12/03/2006)
Is it easier to move to VC from Consulting or from IBanking
Dunno.
Depends/Either I would say. I've sifted through quite a few job postings in VC to get an idea of what they are looking for, they tend to list something along the lines of "prefer previous experience in management consulting, investment banking, corporate development or related field"
I feel like it would just be up to you to sell yourself. Having some tech/startup experience is huge also.
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Consulting to VC or Entrepreneurship (Originally Posted: 04/28/2009)
I’m interested to hear opinions/stories about taking a couple years worth of consulting experience to VC firms or Starting a business. Long term I’m mainly interested in starting and growing a business (which inherently gives me an interest in VC) and I want to know what types of consulting experiences would be most relevant/helpful to my venture. Are processes similar across industry groups or service specializations where I could apply that to growing a business or should I be looking specifically to join and industry group in the same area as the business I plan to start.
Also I’ve seen the list of the top consulting firms....which are best/deal the most with startup/established pre IPO companies?
Thanks for your help
I am interested in this as well.
I'd like to know about the same as well, senior pros ..how about some dope on this one ?!
I would think if you are on the level of MBB, then it really does not make that much of a difference
its not like you can state: McKinsey is better than BCG for VC/startup experience
it will definitely vary on a case by case basis, it might just happen that your engagement at McKinsey was operational improvement while at BCG you were able to get on management growth strategy
However I have to say a lot of McK alum do go start up their own firms, or become CEOs to grow mid size firms, etc
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