The school year is up and running again, and before I get too swept up with the MBA life I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my summer internship in venture capital. The summer internship is a milestone for any MBA student, but for me it reflected a degree of personal and professional growth I’m especially proud of.
Recruiting for a Venture Role: 3 Thoughts
- Patience, my young padawan: recruiting for venture was confusing and stressful. I didn’t know where the roles were posted, and they went fast. It felt like pulling teeth just to get an interview and whenever I did get one, I put so much pressure on myself to make that moment count. Rejections came nonetheless, and all I could do was wait for another opportunity. Waiting was excruciating, and I felt more helpless than I can say for months.
Now, I know…losing out on one opportunity just means a better one is coming along. The real way to succeed in a venture search is to be patient and find the best fit for yourself. Moreover, be patient with yourself. You won’t nail every application or interview but will land on your feet. - Take a chance on yourself: it was too easy to interpret rejections as a sign I should give up. Venture funds seemed to prioritize individuals with prior investing experience (indeed, I was told that I didn’t make the final cut for an internship because the others they were interviewing had investing experience), so trying to break into venture roles without investing experience felt impossible. I landed an offer from a big tech company that I knew was paying me more than I would get in venture, but I also knew I wouldn’t enjoy that role. It was a big moment to turn down a big tech offer with no clear venture prospects and the first time I’ve ever taken such a risk.
Now, I know…to do venture, you have to take a chance on yourself. Despite what those around you say, there is no blueprint for an ideal investor. Bet on yourself, it’s the first of many you’ll make 😉 - Pay it forward: venture just doesn’t feel like an accessible career path for many (including me). I almost took myself out of the equation as a result. If not for the support and encouragement of one particularly lovely Haas alumnus and HBCUvc, I would not have made it into the space.
Now, I know…the venture apprenticeship model starts from recruiting itself. It’s in my power to make venture feel accessible to other women and minorities, and I have to pay it forward.
Working in Venture: 3 Thoughts
- Make opportunities for yourself: venture waits for no individual — if you see an opportunity or want to get after a particular startup or trend, go for it! One of my biggest learnings was to stop asking for permission or waiting for validation that my idea was good and just try it out. Venture itself is entrepreneurial and requires trial and error to get right.
- Learn how to sell: venture involves significantly more sales than I thought it would. You’re selling your fund to LPs and founders alike, but you’re also selling the startups and tends you believe in to your team internally. It took me a while to realize that my partners were not expecting me to come to them with an idea to validate but rather a perspective they could then react to. A strong sales skillset, or at least an understanding of what your stakeholders are looking for, is paramount to succeeding in venture.
- Get comfortable with saying no: this a part of everyday life that is no easier in venture. I came across founders I loved whose ideas I didn’t believe in and vice versa. Ultimately, none of these scenarios was right for me or my fund, but I dragged my feet on saying no because I wanted it to work. Delaying the rejection wastes everyone’s time, including the founder, and a quick “no” is a blessing for everyone. Providing candid (but kind) feedback is a bonus, and always appreciated!
I’m excited to continue my venture journey during the year as an MBA Associate at Concrete Rose Capital. A huge thank you to HBCUvc and the Concrete Rose team for taking a chance on me!
More about me:
Berkeley Haas MBA 2022 🎓
Fintech & HR Tech enthusiast 😍
Recovering consultant ✈️
Aspiring dog mom 🐶
