How to Get Venture Capital Jobs
A venture capitalist, or VC, is a person who provides funding, or venture capital, to a company with high growth potential. Venture capital firms typically consist of a few VCs who manage a venture fund, which is a large sum of money that the firm uses as investment. VCs are typically entrepreneurs themselves who invest in several different companies that show great promise of success and the potential to earn large sums of money.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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Prepare yourself for the challenge. The number of job openings for VCs is slim and the road may be long. Ivy League educations and relevant job experience or internships can help, but if you do not live in Silicon Valley, you may want to consider relocating there. If you are serious about becoming a venture capitalist, understand that the Bay Area is is the hub of capitalist investing. But even in Silicon Valley, there are more people hoping to become venture capitalists than there are job openings. Keep your expectations within reason.
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Understand how VCs operate. VCs either make money from taking a percentage of the funds they manage or from a return on their investment. The funds come from outside sources, such as not-for-profit organizations and politicians. VCs need to earn money from investments in order to reinvest in other companies. They also use the fees they earn to pay for business expenses, as well as their (and your) salaries. Because of this, you must prove to them that you will positively impact their ventures. In other words, you have to show you can earn them more money.
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Network. Networking is the key to getting a job as a VC. Do your homework and figure out who the major players are in the industry. Get to know the VCs in your area and what companies they have invested in. Know their names, backgrounds and be prepared to introduce yourself and speak to them about opportunities if you should be lucky enough to do so. Obtain a job in the finance industry or a college internship pertaining to finance or business to give yourself the best preparation and maximum amount of exposure. Ask for business cards and follow up when necessary.
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Be smart. Breaking into venture capitalist investing is no easy feat, but it is going to rely on you proving that you can make smart financial decisions as an investor, being prepared and working hard. Know that success may come slowly and it may take months to land a meeting with an important VC. The more preparation you do, the better the position you will be in should a job opportunity or meeting present itself. Focus on your networking skills and practice patience.
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