From Term Sheets to Trading Floors: Foster MBA Internships in Venture Capital & Investment Banking
Foster Full-time MBA students share their summer internship experiences in venture capital and investment banking roles
Venture Capital and Investment Banking are fast-paced, high-stakes fields that demand sharp analytical skills, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of financial markets. For MBA students, internships in these industries provide an unparalleled opportunity to work on deal sourcing, financial modeling, and investment strategies. We spoke with Foster MBAs Hattie, Aaron, and Viswanath, who gained firsthand experience navigating the world of VC and IB, learning from industry leaders, and making real contributions to their firms. In this blog, they share insights from their internships — the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned, and how their time at Foster prepared them to thrive in these dynamic fields.
Meet Hattie Liu, a Private Wealth Management Intern at Goldman Sachs’ Seattle office. Before pursuing her MBA at Foster, Hattie majored in mathematics and finance and completed five internships focused on financial analysis. She gained diverse experience in corporate finance across insurance and investment firms, then transitioned to brand management during the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding a food franchise’s presence in Canada and launching its first flagship store in Toronto. Most recently, she worked in investor relations at a real estate investment company. This summer, Hattie applied her background to wealth management at Goldman Sachs, supporting high-net-worth clients and investment strategies.
Meet Aaron Altabet, a Venture Lead Intern at Pioneer Square Labs. Before pursuing his MBA at Foster, Aaron had two distinct career paths: he worked as a science teacher and wilderness trip leader, and then as a science recruiter in the biotech industry. His passion for biotech led him to pursue an MBA to transition out of an HR career track. Aaron’s internship at Pioneer Square Labs followed his time as a Venture Fellow, where he helped validate the core idea behind one of their portfolio companies. This summer, Aaron played a key role in the company’s development, conducting customer discovery calls and collaborating with designers and engineers to create a prototype and minimum-viable product.
Meet Viswanath Chilakala, a Venture Management Analyst Intern at Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) in Seattle. Before pursuing his MBA at Foster, Viswanath earned a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from GITAM University, where he founded the Entrepreneurship Club. He spent over seven years at Microsoft as a Data Analyst, working on high-impact projects for Outlook, Teams, Cortana, and M365 that drove cost savings, improved workflows, and implemented cloud and AI solutions. This summer, Viswanath applied his expertise at CDL, focusing on the Advanced Manufacturing and Computational Health streams to help drive innovation and support venture growth.
Which industries did you target? And how was the internship search process?
Aaron: For my internship, I was targeting startups, specifically looking for a role in operations within a startup in Seattle. The search process was quite different from what my classmates were experiencing, as startups hire in a much more informal and personal way than larger firms. Instead of applying to positions online, I spent my time meeting founders for coffee and building relationships. It was a bit unstructured and took a lot of energy, but it was rewarding. I had to consistently remind myself not to worry about doing things differently from everyone else in the program.
Viswanath: For my internship, I primarily targeted technology, venture capital, and e-commerce, aligning with my background in data engineering and my MBA focus on product management and entrepreneurship. The internship search was both strategic and intensive — I leveraged Foster’s alumni network, Foster’s Career Management services, and attended industry-focused events to connect with professionals in my target industries. It was a great way to build relationships and gain insights, ultimately helping me secure an opportunity that matched my interests and skill set.
Hattie: When I entered the program, I primarily targeted consulting due to my background and career aspirations after graduation. The recruiting process was relatively smooth, as most consulting firms have established MBA recruitment processes. However, the challenge was juggling multiple coffee chats to understand the nuances of different company divisions and cultures, while also preparing for case interviews. Another significant obstacle was the restricted hiring across the industry, which led many consulting firms to hire fewer candidates than in previous years. Ultimately, I found my fit in wealth management, which aligned better with my background and interests, offering a unique opportunity to leverage my skills in a different yet equally dynamic field.
Which MBA Career Management events, programs, or services did you find most helpful?
Aaron: The most helpful MBA Career Management events were the elevator pitch workshops led by Gregory Heller. They were incredibly valuable, especially since I had to rely on my pitch skills during the informal interviews with founders.
Viswanath: The mock interviews, resume reviews, and company treks organized by Career Management were extremely valuable. Networking events and small-group sessions with alumni also provided me with direct access to industry insights and tailored advice. One standout experience was meeting with C-level executives from Nordstrom, which offered truly insightful and unique perspectives. Additionally, I got involved with Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) through the Burke Center for Entrepreneurship during my first year. My engagement with them helped me learn more about venture capital, which ultimately led to securing my internship there.
How was your internship structured, and what were the major deliverables?
Hattie: My internship was nine weeks long, with the first week dedicated to orientation in New York City. The following eight weeks went by quickly as I worked on three major national projects related to financial markets, local industry research, and mock client pitches. In addition, I contributed to several smaller projects assigned by local teams, making the experience both dynamic and rewarding.
Viswanath: My internship was structured in two phases. The first phase focused on the summer recruitment process, where my role was to identify and attract promising startups within our criteria. This involved extensive research using tools like PitchBook and Crunchbase to generate leads, reaching out to founders on LinkedIn, and explaining the value of the CDL program. Once founders agreed to participate, I guided them through the application process. After the deadline, I helped narrow down over 100 applications to about 35–40 interview candidates. Following the interviews, the team selected the final cohort of 20 startups, which marked the conclusion of the recruitment phase and my internship.
I was fortunate to continue working with CDL after the summer. In this second phase, I managed six startups — four from the Advanced Manufacturing stream and two from Computational Health. My responsibilities shifted to collaborating with founders to create detailed portfolios for mentors, ensuring they had a clear understanding of the startups. Additionally, I worked closely with the team to organize and execute session days, which required careful planning and coordination. This experience was incredibly enriching, and I’m deeply grateful to the CDL team for the opportunity to learn and grow.
Aaron: The major deliverables in my role were key milestones in the creation of a new AI-based company. This involved developing increasingly detailed wireframes, which eventually led to working prototypes. While I wasn’t directly responsible for designing or engineering these (that credit goes to the incredibly talented team I collaborated with), my role was to ensure that each deliverable captured and reflected the needs and priorities of our future customers. I worked closely with designers and engineers to keep the focus on customer feedback, making sure the product aligned with what our users truly needed and valued.
Please tell us about some of the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
Viswanath: One of the major challenges I faced was managing the ambiguity and fast-paced environment of working with startups. Identifying and attracting high-potential ventures required consistent outreach, effectively communicating CDL’s value to founders, and carefully prioritizing tasks. Coordinating with multiple stakeholders — founders, mentors, and team members — while ensuring alignment on goals was a complex yet rewarding experience.
The MBA experience was invaluable in helping me navigate these challenges. Working on multiple projects and assignments with different teams across various courses developed my adaptability and collaboration skills. The ability to balance competing priorities and make decisions in dynamic environments prepared me well for the fast-paced, ever-evolving startup world at CDL.
Hattie: The internship was fast-paced, with a steep learning curve that pushed me to quickly adapt and pick up new skills on the job. Staying organized and focused on daily priorities was crucial to maintaining efficiency. Throughout the internship, I gained a deep understanding of the business, its platform, products, services, and the team I was working with. The knowledge and skills I developed during my first-year classes, particularly in Finance with Thomas Gilbert and Leading Teams and Organizations with Christopher Barnes, were invaluable. Additionally, the networking advice from the career management team played a key role in making the experience even more impactful.
Aaron: One of my major challenges was getting up to speed with Figma and understanding its architecture. Over the course of the summer, the team also launched their own version of PowerPoint, so it felt like every week brought a new set of tools to learn and master! It was a steep learning curve, but I embraced it as an opportunity to grow and quickly adapted by diving into tutorials and collaborating closely with the team to learn on the go.
How would you describe the culture of the organization? Did you have good mentors? And did you meet colleagues or other MBA students from peer schools you plan to stay in touch with post internship?
Aaron: The culture at Pioneer Square Labs was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It was vibrant, dynamic, and completely centered around creativity. The whole environment is built to nurture innovation, with operations tailored to spark new ideas. One of the highlights of the week was the big Wednesday lunch, where employees were encouraged to invite friends, potential collaborators, and even external partners to join in. This informal setting fostered meaningful connections and inspired spontaneous idea-sharing. Every other week, we held an open pitch session where anyone — whether internal or external — could present a bold, unconventional idea. If the pitch gained traction, it led to feedback from the team and, if successful, a meeting with a Venture Partner to explore the idea further.
What truly set the culture apart was the commitment to focusing resources on ideas with real potential. The studio fostered an environment where employees were empowered to make tough decisions, including pulling the plug on projects that weren’t gaining traction. This culture of prioritization and agility ensured that the team remained focused on the ideas that showed promise, while giving room for new, creative projects to move forward. The emphasis on rapid iteration and thoughtful resource allocation made it a truly exciting and energizing place to work.
I think the most memorable part of my internship was the moment I realized that I was actually doing something, not just an esoteric internship project. I was in a conference room with a few designers and an engineer, and I asked, “So where should we put this button?” Everyone turned to me laughing, and someone said, “That’s your call!” It was an empowering moment that showed I was contributing meaningfully to the team and the project.
Hattie: I’d describe the culture at Goldman Sachs as one of excellence, collaboration, and prestige. The environment fosters a high level of performance while emphasizing teamwork and mutual respect. I was fortunate to have several mentors during my internship, each offering invaluable insights and coaching that helped me grow both professionally and personally. One standout moment was the 1–1 lunch I had with the regional head of our office. He’s an exceptional leader with a career full of impressive milestones. During our lunch, he shared his insights on the history of the office, his vision for the business, and even aspects of his personal life. It was a powerful example of Goldman Sachs’ hands-on leadership and their commitment to fostering personal connections within the firm. Additionally, I made strong connections with my national class — MBA students from other top business schools who interned in the same division across various offices. These relationships have remained strong, and I’m excited to continue working alongside them, learning from their experiences, and growing together as we move forward in our careers.
Viswanath: CDL’s culture was deeply collaborative and centered around innovation. I was fortunate to have exceptional mentors like Emer Dooley, who provided invaluable guidance on venture evaluation and strategy. Additionally, I formed strong connections with colleagues and MBA peers from top other schools, many of whom I plan to stay in touch with as we continue to grow in our careers.
One memorable experience was presenting a curated portfolio of startups to a panel of billion-dollar fund managers and seeing them genuinely excited about the ventures. It was incredibly rewarding to see my efforts bridge the gap between founders and industry leaders, knowing that I played a role in connecting them with key opportunities.
What are your plans for the second year of MBA? Anything you’re looking forward to?
Aaron: As a second-year MBA, I’m excited to continue my journey with another Venture Fellowship, this time at Pack VC. The firm focuses on seed and Series A investments in UW spinouts, and I’ve enjoyed shifting gears from creating companies to evaluating them. In addition, I organized a 100-person climate tech entrepreneurship event called Chumstock in the San Juan Islands, which was a resounding success. I’m also leading the Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Club (EVCC) club and remain actively involved in the Net Impact Club, both of which have given me great opportunities to engage with like-minded individuals and further my passion for sustainable innovation.
Hattie: In my second year, I’m focused on further developing my leadership and entrepreneurial skills while also getting more involved in extracurricular activities and leadership roles that I didn’t have time for in my first year. For example, I’m currently serving on the MBAA Board as EVP of finance, where I manage all aspects of MBA student expenses and the budget. Additionally, I’ve recently started working with a minority-owned family business as part of the Ascend Fellowship, which I’m really excited about.
Viswanath: In my second year, I’m focusing on further refining my product management skills while exploring entrepreneurial opportunities. I’m also excited to apply the insights I gained from my internship to class projects and leadership roles in the Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Club. Additionally, I’m working with the Finance Society and continuing my involvement with CDL, which allows me to further develop my experience in venture capital and innovation.
What advice do you have for first year students regarding summer internships?
Aaron: My advice to first-year students applying for summer internships at startups / or in entrepreneurship would be to explore the UW network during the Winter and Spring quarters. These connections often lead to summer internships! I highly recommend the Foster Venture Fellowship, but I’d also suggest reaching out to startups in the UW ecosystem, like those connected with CDL, CoMotion, or the Allen Institutes’ various incubators and accelerators, and offering to engage with / learn from them. It’s a great way to gain hands-on experience and make valuable connections.
Viswanath: My advice is to start the process early, build a solid network, and remain open to exploring industries or roles beyond your initial focus. Be sure to tailor your narrative to emphasize transferable skills and take full advantage of MBA resources like alumni connections and career coaching. Above all, approach your internship as a valuable learning experience to help refine your long-term career goals.
Hattie: Reflect on who you are and who you want to become and confidently embrace that person without fear. Take advantage of the support available, connect with the community, and you’ll find the help you need!
Learn more about Foster School of Business Full-Time MBA program.
