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Venture Capital after an MBA - possible?


Posted Aug 25, 2015 09:07

I'm looking at MBAs right now and I don't know which schools I should apply to. I'm in a professional area where I'm increasingly interacting with venture capital folks, and I see VC as something I could do and would be happy doing long term. I've decided that this is my main long-term career goal.

But the more I interact with these firms, the more I understand that it's kind of a small community (at least the firms I'm in contact with). The people who do have MBAs did them after they got into the field. But that said, it seems like the firms really value MBAs, at least for the roles I would want to do.

So, my big question is, is this a legitimate career goal post-MBA? Of course, I would be looking at top 10 schools, Stanford, Harvard, maybe LBS. What can I do to improve my chances of getting a job with a VC firm?
I'm looking at MBAs right now and I don't know which schools I should apply to. I'm in a professional area where I'm increasingly interacting with venture capital folks, and I see VC as something I could do and would be happy doing long term. I've decided that this is my main long-term career goal.

But the more I interact with these firms, the more I understand that it's kind of a small community (at least the firms I'm in contact with). The people who do have MBAs did them after they got into the field. But that said, it seems like the firms really value MBAs, at least for the roles I would want to do.

So, my big question is, is this a legitimate career goal post-MBA? Of course, I would be looking at top 10 schools, Stanford, Harvard, maybe LBS. What can I do to improve my chances of getting a job with a VC firm?
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Posted Aug 25, 2015 14:45

It's a bit like working in an art gallery. There are very few of those roles, and they tend to go to people with very tight connections already. It's such a slim chance that you might want to consider an alternative career path too.
It's a bit like working in an art gallery. There are very few of those roles, and they tend to go to people with very tight connections already. It's such a slim chance that you might want to consider an alternative career path too.
quote

Posted Aug 27, 2015 08:07

In general, I agree with Duncan.

If you're already in contact with VC firms, I would just suggest networking with them. You can usually get a sense of their hiring practices, and then perhaps even use those connections to do your summer internship in one of the firms. But yes, an alternative path would be an excellent idea. If you're going to Stanford/Harvard/LBS, you won't lack for options.
In general, I agree with Duncan.

If you're already in contact with VC firms, I would just suggest networking with them. You can usually get a sense of their hiring practices, and then perhaps even use those connections to do your summer internship in one of the firms. But yes, an alternative path would be an excellent idea. If you're going to Stanford/Harvard/LBS, you won't lack for options.
quote

Posted Sep 02, 2015 22:42

Alright, I see, thanks to you both.
Alright, I see, thanks to you both.
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