That’s my exact line that I start off with when I’m asked for advice by guys/gals looking to get into venture capital. It’s a very common to see junior VCs start off with this sort of warning.
Rob writes an overall good article but I would’ve been more blunt and said flat out that there is no career path here for junior guys. Sure, there are 1-2 guys that get through but let’s not call that a “path”.
If you’re extremely lucky or skilled, you’ll make it through to the other side but I would say that that’s extremely unlikely. Associate roles are really dead end paths so if you are really committed to taking on a junior role in venture, just make sure your expectations and plan a few years out. Of course, that is, unless you have a really strong answer for why a firm should give you a meaningful share of their pie.
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