1. Learn about and understand the venture capital industry. This means understanding the lingo, knowing top funds, and what aspect of venture capital you find interesting. Understand what aspect of venture capital you find interesting and research it. Here are some resources including books, podcasts, programs and more that can help you:

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2. Understand the reality of venture capitalists. Venture capital roles focus on these six areas:

3. Work on these key skills needed for the majority of venture capital funds

4. Stay knowledgeable about the industry so that you are always prepared to answer questions about your focus and interests. Oftentimes, VC interviews will ask questions about markets and investments like:

5. Follow venture capital funds to learn about what types of companies are being invested.

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6. Try to get experience working with a startup or founding your own so that you understand the operational side of what funds are investing in and key aspects of startups.

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7. Get training or experience with venture capital funds. If you are in college, look for venture capital competitions, student-led venture funds, or similar university venture organizations like the HBCUvc Fellowship. Also, look out for venture capital internships similar to Pear Ventures VC Bootcamp and Lerer Hippeau Summer Associates. For post-graduate, check out the Kaufmann Fellows.

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8. Expand your network by talking to people in the venture industry and other founders. Do this by attending conferences, taking classes, or similar opportunities for example: youngStartUp Ventures.

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9. Join organizations focused on the venture capital industry. At the student level, there are often school-based organizations or student-led venture capital funds that can help you get experience and learn about the industry.

10. Be open to any opportunity to get into the VC industry. Be dedicated and be persistent.

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