7 steps to get an internship in Venture Capital, at the age of 18
Yep, it’s possible.
I was fresh out of high school and had been offered an amazing opportunity to join a FinTech Venture Capital fund for the summer, as a Venture Analyst Intern.
I energetically accepted the offer (I’m pretty sure I actually accepted the offer in all capitals and ended each sentence with an exclamation mark), packed my bags, booked the first low-budget ticket I could get my hands on, and flew off to the bustling, financial capital of Europe — London! The initial unpaid summer internship eventually turned into a yearlong, paid internship. An amazing experience!
So, how many strings did you have to pull?
“Mate, is your dad, like… the king of Denmark? How does an 18 year-old get an internship at a London VC?!”
True story, I went to a pub once and was asked this exact question. A slightly buzzed guy came up to me and asked, how on earth I got an internship at 18 years-old, with no prior experience.
Fair question, so I thought that I might share some insight on my approach.
1. I am not Danish Royalty
Network is often a big part in getting a foot into the VC world, and really any “world” for that sake. If you have the network, use it. I did not have the network and therefore took an alternative route.
2. Research, research and research
I read about the London-Hong Kong based company in a Danish newspaper and immediately fell in love with the company and the idea of Venture Capital.
I found out that the company had just opened their London office and only had four team members onboard. I thought it was a great opportunity to see if they needed someone who could do anything from getting coffee, to help build presentations.
I recommend that you look for smaller, more “flexible” VCs. Why?
- You get more responsibility and hands-on experience
- You get to work with the senior team members
3. Reach out to the right person
I cold-emailed the Managing Partner. I did this for two reasons: He was young (30 years old) and he seemed like a guy who was super down-to-earth. Therefore, I thought that my chances of getting a reply might be greater, since he could possibly relate to my ambition.
Understand who would be the best contact person. Sometimes it might be the Managing Partner and other times it might be best to reach-out to the Head of Talent. Get a feeling for what kind of person can best relate to your story.
4. Be direct and don’t waste time
No matter who you reach-out to, they almost always have better stuff to do, or they receive 10 cold-applications every day.
It’s important that the email is to-the-point. You should remember to outline the value proposition: What value can you add to the team, despite being so young?
5. Be humble
The most solid piece of advice I can give is to stay humble. Remember, you are an 18 year-old, high school graduate — not a Harvard MBA graduate with three years of Investment Banking experience.
At the same time, when typing up the email, don’t be afraid to outline one or two of your biggest accomplishments. Show the company that you have already worked hard and have achieved results.
6. Go the extra mile
Should you end up being invited for an interview, the company will most likely suggest a Skype call. That was my case.
Depending on your situation and location, counter-suggest that you come by their office for a face-to-face meeting. I was in Denmark when they suggested that we should set up a Skype call. I counter-suggested that I drop by their office in London. I had a birthday-voucher from a family member, which I redeemed and then flew to London for the meeting.
7. It’s a numbers game
I wrote to more than 60 VC’s, Banks and Hedge funds. The statistics were not great: Eight companies replied, one positively.
Write to several companies and increase your chances of getting an interview. Don’t get depressed when companies turn you down, you have just started your life!
Note: I finished the internship in May and am now working at an eHealth VC :)
