2 answers
Aviel
Student
Englewood, New Jersey
1
Question
Updated
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What would you prioritize if you were in college today aiming for a career in private investment (such as private equity or venture capital), and what skills, experiences, or steps matter most early on to maximize your chances of breaking in and standing out as a candidate?
I’m currently a college student exploring a career in private investment. I’m still early in the process and trying to better understand how to use my time effectively, especially when it comes to choosing internships, building relevant skills, and positioning myself for competitive roles after graduation. I’d really value any insights or advice from those who have been through this path.
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2 answers
Özge Bengüsu EKİZ
Nutritionist / Dietitian
4
Answers
Mersin, Mersin Province, Turkey
Updated
Özge Bengüsu’s Answer
If I were in your position, I’d focus less on trying to “do everything right” and more on building strong signals early.
Private equity / VC is extremely competitive, so just having good grades or generic internships usually isn’t enough.
A few things I’d prioritize:
Actually understanding businesses
Not just theory. I’d pick companies (public or startups) and try to break them down—how they make money, what their risks are, why they might succeed or fail.
This is basically the core skill.
Learning basic financial thinking early
You don’t need to be perfect, but understanding financial statements, valuation logic, and how investors think is a big advantage.
Creating proof of interest
Writing short investment theses, analyzing startups, or even sharing insights online.
It shows you’re not just interested—you’re already thinking like an investor.
Choosing internships strategically
Investment banking, consulting, or even working at a startup can all be valuable. What matters is getting exposure to how businesses operate and how decisions are made.
Talking to people in the field
Not in a forced networking way, but genuinely trying to understand how they think and what they look for.
Honestly, what makes people stand out is not just experience, but how clearly they think.
If you can show that you understand businesses and can form your own opinions early on, you’re already ahead of most candidates.
Private equity / VC is extremely competitive, so just having good grades or generic internships usually isn’t enough.
A few things I’d prioritize:
Actually understanding businesses
Not just theory. I’d pick companies (public or startups) and try to break them down—how they make money, what their risks are, why they might succeed or fail.
This is basically the core skill.
Learning basic financial thinking early
You don’t need to be perfect, but understanding financial statements, valuation logic, and how investors think is a big advantage.
Creating proof of interest
Writing short investment theses, analyzing startups, or even sharing insights online.
It shows you’re not just interested—you’re already thinking like an investor.
Choosing internships strategically
Investment banking, consulting, or even working at a startup can all be valuable. What matters is getting exposure to how businesses operate and how decisions are made.
Talking to people in the field
Not in a forced networking way, but genuinely trying to understand how they think and what they look for.
Honestly, what makes people stand out is not just experience, but how clearly they think.
If you can show that you understand businesses and can form your own opinions early on, you’re already ahead of most candidates.
Dan Sokol
Senior Credit Officer
10
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Dan’s Answer
Serously question yourself why you want to get in to this field. Good for you to do this. Good for you to be able to articulate that to those you speak with
Learn at least basic accounting, if not more. Critical in figuring out how a companies "tick" and learning about capital structuring in a balance sheet. Accounting was one of the most useful subjects I had in b-school. Still use those skills 40 years later.
Network. Contact folks in the industry and get them to talk to you. Question them. People enjoy talking about themselves and experiences. You are there for info gathering. Never, NEVER, try to hit them up for a job during these discussions. Don't leave the meeting without them recommending someone else who would be good to speak with you.
Years ago in b-school, I was dissatisfied with my getting interviews and not a lot of callbacks / 2nd+ rounds. I went to see my career counselor. We discovered that I was spending too much time trying to convince the interviewers how smart I was. Instead, I shifted focus to how good a person I'd be to work with in their respective organization. Wow, that changed the game for me.
Good luck!
Learn at least basic accounting, if not more. Critical in figuring out how a companies "tick" and learning about capital structuring in a balance sheet. Accounting was one of the most useful subjects I had in b-school. Still use those skills 40 years later.
Network. Contact folks in the industry and get them to talk to you. Question them. People enjoy talking about themselves and experiences. You are there for info gathering. Never, NEVER, try to hit them up for a job during these discussions. Don't leave the meeting without them recommending someone else who would be good to speak with you.
Years ago in b-school, I was dissatisfied with my getting interviews and not a lot of callbacks / 2nd+ rounds. I went to see my career counselor. We discovered that I was spending too much time trying to convince the interviewers how smart I was. Instead, I shifted focus to how good a person I'd be to work with in their respective organization. Wow, that changed the game for me.
Good luck!