Non-traditional path to post-MBA private equity/venture capital associate position

Trying to break into PE/VC. Obviously know that's tough. UVA undergrad, Tulane Law + 1.5 years as attorney (international law, commercial litigation, admiralty/maritime law), about to finish Georgia Tech MBA. Summer Associate position in FAS group (valuation, some LBO work) at prominent international advisory firm.

Have deal experience working for small PE shop--extensive diligence experience, lots of DCF, merger models, again just some LBO experience--closed a couple of those deals. But I am by no means a modeling jedi.

Led and raised 4 mil as GP into media company (about 6 mil revenue, 1.7 EBITDA, negotiated all deal terms, and hold a board position. Led negotiations and in LOI phase of add on acquisition to this company.

I obviously do not have the 2 years I-Banking. Am I screwed for PE or VC positions? Any feedback, brutal honesty, even disparaging remarks are welcome! Thank you all in advance for even reading this.

3 Comments
 

Any other career paths to look at? Trying for IB associate position and then try to make the switch? Let me ask you something else, I've been reading it's so hard to get these positions, and that even getting an interview is difficult. Are you saying that if I at least hustled to get one face-to-face interview, the school rankings wouldn't matter as much because that's more of a screening process for the initial phone call? THANKS for your feedback!

 

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