How to enter venture capital as a recent grad?

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November 14, 2021

by an member from University of California, Davis in San Francisco Bay, California, USA

I am a recent graduate from UC Davis, and have been interested in the field for some time. My success rate in applying to jobs even while having PE experience has been sporadic. I got an interview, but it was for an internship. Any tips on how to enter this market?

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Reply by a searcher
from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Network is everything in VC, and building it from the outside requires some time and a bit of creativity. Firstly, I would suggest getting involved in any VC/entrepreneurial conference or event to get to know founders and VCs to get on their radar. Try to get to talk to them and share a contact so that they can remember you, and make sure to follow up if any of them seem interested or entertained in a nice conversation with you. Secondly, make extensive use of LinkedIn to reach out to VCs (analysts, associates, principals, partners). In the outreach, I would suggest to avoid saying that you want a job, but that you are interested in VC and are keen to learn more. This is a numbers game, so you will have to reach out to many in order to talk to a few, but it is ok and worth it. Once you talk to them, try to be prepared by knowing something about their firm and ask interesting questions. This will allow you to be on their radar and they will remember you once a position open. Please keep in mind that many VCs do not even post positions online and will heavily rely on network to recruit, so consider every conversation as a potential interview. Try to look interested, motivated, eager to learn and highlight why you are exploring VC and what gets you so excited about working in the industry. Best of luck!!
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Reply by a searcher
from University of Oregon in Beaverton, OR, USA
Networking within a startup community and with individual entrepreneurs is a good step. VCs work closely with founders. Additionally, VCs like associates/analysts to have startup experience (like as an operator). If possible, attend founder events, webinars, Demo Days that Accelerators/Incubators host. Hope this helps.
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