May 09, 2014

Pre-Master internship: small VC firm or Finance in a I-Bank?

Hi guys,

I would really appreciate your inputs given my situation that I am about to cover:

Background: I am about to graduate from a non-target/semi-target Uni in the UK (top 10) and am a non UK native. I am starting my Masters course in September and want to decide which internship would lead to me being better positioned for the next recruiting season or landing a job after the internship. My target industry was initially IBD with an interest to potentially end up in VC or PE, but I am constantly adapting my expectations to the clearly rough market conditions. Have previous low profile internship experience outside the UK (think big four, really small VC, PE shops).

What's on the plate: an offer from a small VC firm in the UK and a Finance position in a I-Bank (both internships). I know which one of these is more reputable, exciting, etc., but perhaps Finance would be an easier route in order to land an offer and potentially climb up the ranks in the bank? VC might be more suited when applying for Front Office positions after the Masters, but that does not guarantee landing a job (would be nearly just as hard as it is now). Also, is it worth it to kill yourself for 3-5 years instead of having a life and a decent pay?

I'd appreciate thoughts from all angles. Thanks.

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4 Comments

PE

10y

Up

RM

10y

Best Response

VC. Working middle/back office in a IB is more likely to taint perceptions of you than do you a favour.

The VC experience is also far more relevant to a front office IBD role.

Those who can, do. Those who can't, post threads about how to do it on WSO.

PE

10y

SSits:

VC. Working middle/back office in a IB is more likely to taint perceptions of you than do you a favour.

The VC experience is also far more relevant to a front office IBD role.

Thanks SSits, I agree with your reasoning. However, I wonder how well is VC perceived in FO roles (without a doubt it is much more relevant than finance), taking into account the small size of the firm.

Harry Markowitz Diversification

RM

10y

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Those who can, do. Those who can't, post threads about how to do it on WSO.

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