Because of its proximity to Silicon Valley, Haas benefits from an entrepreneurial halo-effect and thus applicants consider it to be a location from which to launch careers in venture capital and private equity. That written, in its Class of 2009 only 1.7% of Haas graduates entered these fields. Regardless of the small numbers (and it should be noted that this is consistent with many peer schools) opportunities abound for students who are targeting this field, via the Lester Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. One unique opportunity for a small number of students is the Haas New Venture Fellows Program, which offers three to five first-year students and one to two second-year students the opportunity to perform actual project work for local venture capital firms for academic credit. Students in this highly selective program have completed projects with such firms as Bessemer Venture Partners and Trinity Ventures. The New Venture Fellows also participate in the program’s Pitch Lab, in which budding entrepreneurs from within the UC Berkeley community can practice their pitches for feedback and advice. In addition, the program organizes events to facilitate networking between its fellows and practicing venture capitalists in the area. While entering VC post-MBA can be quite challenging, it certainly helps when your school can get you in the door.
Read the full article: Friday Factoid: Haas Students Venture