A Few Steps Closer To A Junior Position In Venture Capital
My firm, FirstMark Capital, is seeking candidates for "Sourcing Analyst" position, and I got a chance to informally speak with very motivated, aggressive and smart individuals who have asked me, "How did you get into it?"
To that, I say, "I got lucky."
Really - I did. I was very lucky to have met the friends I did -- starting with Shaurya, Nihar and Amar whom I met during my senior year in college - who saved me from the self-destructive Inferno I was in, and helped change my life around. Then my bosses/colleagues atJefferies Broadview, thanks to whom, I had an extremely fulfilling and enjoyable 3 years in Investment Banking, and then now in VC - everyday, I come to work feeling grateful and excited about interacting with such smart bosses/colleagues, entrepreneurs and community members.
Yes, I did work my ass off, too, but without such generous help from others, it would have been impossible. So here I am, hoping to help YOU by sharing some tips that I have gathered over the years, in case you are interested in pursuing a junior position in VC.
*************** Getting Yourselves Interviews ******************
1) Learn What It's About (very quick reading - 3 hours at max):
Vault Guide to Venture Capital - provides a very helpful overview of the business, positions and day-to-day tasks
2) Apply Like Crazy (you need to visit the following sites, EVERYDAY)
www.linkedin.com (job section)
www.doostang.com (invite only - let me know if you need to get invited)
3) Reach Out To Relevant Recruiters
There are recruiters that focus on junior positions in VC/PE. I have a pretty good list - if you want, ping me.
4) Network and Let Them Know You Are Interested
Don't be shy in reaching out to junior VC professionals for 5-10 minutes to chat. But do it after you have done 1), 2) & 3).
****************** Prepping For Interviews ******************
1) Be Ready to Answer Why You Are So PASSIONATE About:
- Technology (vs other industries);
- Buyside (vs operational, sellside);
- Early-Stage (vs PE, HF);
- Position (there are different flavors ranging from Sourcing, Due Diligence / Deal Execution, Portfolio Mgmt); and
- The Firm (Voraciously review the firm's web site - learn about portfolio companies, know the background of the professionals, understand the investment philosophy)
2) Know The Basics of Valuation
Vault Guide to Finance Interviews - walks you through all major concepts that you are expected to know, especially if you weren't a Finance major.
3) Learn What's Going On In The Market: (spend 15-30 minutes daily and get up to speed)
Please feel free to comment if I missed anything, and GOOD LUCK!! :-)
P.S. Attached is a photo of "helping each other" -- hopefully this was helpful to you.
