If you think you are an economics graduate and you can do research, you probably can. But if there is no structure and output for your research, you probably cannot work in a VC.
If you asked me three years ago, when I decided to major in Economics (and two other subjects but this is not about that), I wouldn’t even know what VC is or what it does. If I plan to work in VC would not even be a question.
But things changed two years later, like every college student about to graduate, looking out for options I finally stumbled over something that lit the spark. I knew where I wanted to be, it was just the “how” part I wasn’t sure about. Having close to no background in finance or business or even anything near entrepreneurship made me worried if I could fit in.
Now, one month down, I am here and certain that I can fit in.
But Why did I want to be in Venture Capital ?
I grew up as a kid with unrealistic dreams (that is what my mother says). Even as a 20 year old, I am a kid with unrealistic dreams. The beautiful thing about unrealistic dreams is- it is unrealistic for those who are not passionate enough; and dreams for ambitious and innovative people. VC is where I can see their dreams (did I mention, I romanticize almost everything).
Understanding their dream, being a part of it and seeing it turn to reality gives me the opportunity to understand, learn and grow. I get directions to my thoughts rather than being stuck in a maze.
My everyday of this month.
I took the shift from a student to an employee five days after writing my examination.
From day 1: entering the building with nervousness (which I hope every one of you who took the leap understands), to day 30: a whole month later, leaving the building looking at the list of things already planned for the next day.
In between these days this is what I have done so far:
- Got the opportunity to have an insight into the existing pitch decks on various sectors from enterprising entrepreneurs.
- Stayed up-to-date on industry trends by reading newsletters and reports.
- Gained knowledge about things outside my field as well though scheduled discussions everyday.
I had a lot to learn, and I am still learning. What makes it easy is the support and guidance from my team. They let me extract all the knowledge I can, broaden the horizons of my thoughts, whatever stupid question I have- I can ask it out loud without feeling embarrassed about it.
From a Rookie to an Enthusiast
If you are an enthusiast, you might know more about all the things I did not know while entering, but here are somethings I can tell you:
- Understanding different perspectives: everyone can, and mostly will have different perspectives, which is great because it lets you have a broader picture. Be open to discussions, open to put out your opinions, be confident about what you think. But always look at the broader picture, do not get stuck on your opinion.
- Try to be a consumer: the difference between ideas which work and do not work is how well the idea understands the needs of the consumer. Be a consumer and see your response, and without a personal bias evaluate how different groups of consumers would respond to the idea.
- Read everything: you must have heard this one before, but truly, there can never be too much knowledge in this industry. Imagine this as solving a jigsaw puzzle, the more you will be adding to it, the better you would be able to see the puzzle, the better you would be able to solve it ahead.
Looking ahead
Time is a funny thing indeed, nothing seems to change but when you look back everything is so different. I have had a month of growth, and one day at a time, I keep growing.
I remember being asked in my interview, “what I bring to the table,” and truth be told, a month ago I wasn’t sure of what I can bring which they do not already have. Today, I know what I can bring; questions, perspectives, passion, and a young eager mind.
Author:
Meemansa Suri
