Welcome to where I write about my journey from Big Tech SWE to the chaotic, caffeinated world of venture capital. If you’re a recent grad dreaming of joining a VC firm in Silicon Valley, buckle up. It’s a weird, competitive path—but a thrilling one.
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🚀 Why Venture Capital?
So why the hype? For engineers or technically minded grads, VC has a certain allure:
Impact on the future – You get to shape which startups get funded (and which don’t).
Intellectual buffet – One day it’s AI, the next it’s climate tech or bio. You never stop learning.
Empowering founders – You’re coaching and cheering on builders.
Massive upside – A single good investment can change your career—and life.
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⚠️ The Reality Check
But let’s be honest: VC is not just pitch decks and cappuccinos.
Slow feedback loops – Unlike coding, you wait years to know if you made the right call.
Most startups fail – Picking winners is hard. Really hard.
Hyper competitive – VC is a tiny industry. Junior roles are unicorns.
Work-life balance? – A taboo we don’t speak about in VC.
🛣️ Common Paths Into VC
VC isn’t usually an entry-level job—but here’s how people do it:
Path | Description |
|---|---|
🎓 Pre-MBA Analyst | 2-year roles right after college. Rare, but doable. Great for exposure. |
🎓 Post-MBA Associate | Classic route: gain experience, get an MBA, then join as associate. |
🧑💻 Founder/Operator | Build/scale a startup. VCs like operators with real-world scars. |
💰 Angel → VC | Angel investors with a track record sometimes join firms. Harder for new grads. |
For new grads, pre-MBA analyst roles or VC fellowships are the most realistic entry points.
🎯 How to Stand Out as a New Grad
1. Develop a niche
Pick a sector (AI, climate, crypto) and go deep. Read everything. Write. Build. Be the “crypto guy” or “healthtech girl.”
2. Show your investor mindset
Write memos. Run a fantasy portfolio. Join equity crowdfunding. Act like a VC, even if you aren’t one (yet).
3. Get startup experience
Intern. Join a seed-stage startup. Consult. Found something. Experience = credibility.
4. Network relentlessly
DM junior VCs. Go to demo days. Follow VCs on Twitter. Cold email *with value*. The ecosystem is small—make friends.
5. Build your brand
6. Apply to fellowships
Dorm Room Fund, Pear VC Fellows, On Deck, PledgeLA, etc. These programs are designed to train future VCs—i.e., you.
👩💻 Case Study: The Alt Path
A friend of mine (CS + Econ) got rejected from 3 analyst programs. Then he started a fintech blog on Substack, analyzed trends weekly, and emailed posts to VCs he admired. 4 months later, one of them asked him to freelance on a sector map. A few weeks after that: part-time scout. 6 months later: full-time role.
📈 What Happens After You Get In?
Most new grads start as:
Role | Time | Focus | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|
Analyst | 2 years | Sourcing, research, diligence | MBA, startup, another VC firm |
Associate | 2–3 years | More autonomy, thesis work, early deal leadership | Promotion, MBA, or exit |
Tip: Think of early VC roles as a paid startup MBA. You’re learning, networking, and observing—soak it all up.
🧃 Final Thoughts
VC is seductive but elusive. The bar is high, and rejections are common. But for those who stick with it—learn constantly, build relationships, take risks—it’s one of the most fascinating careers out there.
Even if you don’t get in right away, the experience you build trying will serve you well in startups, investing, or founding.
Be curious. Be helpful. Be relentless.
– SWEdonym
Still hacking. Investing goose eggs.
P.S. Got questions or thoughts? DM me or email—always happy to chat with the next wave of founders and funders.
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