Lessons from a Summer in Venture Capital

4 June 2026

Fresh off my first year of university with a wealth of knowledge waiting to be applied in practice is how I entered my summer at Mount Judi Ventures, a boutique venture capital fund focused on ethical investments in early-stage startups. What followed was an unconventional and demanding summer, but one that proved deeply rewarding. 

I had the opportunity to complete two internships over the break. The experience and relationships I built at Mount Judi opened the door to joining The StepUp Ventures, a startup accelerator and sister company, for an additional two months. There – albeit remotely – I further refined my skills in analysing deal flows, assessing competitors, and interpreting financial statements by applying my experience from coursework to real investment decisions. 

The Applications 

Securing a summer internship can feel daunting when approached without preparation. But tapping into valuable university resources while laying out a clear plan for the recruitment period is central to taking off that pressure.  

One practical step that helped me was organising applications through Excel and Notion. Tracking deadlines, interview stages, and saving tailored CVs and cover letters alongside job descriptions ensured I was always prepared. Having these documents readily available proved invaluable during interview prep. 

The Personal and Career Development module at School of Economics and Finance provided a strong foundation for writing a professional CV and understanding the nuances of interviews and assessment centres. More importantly, it taught me how to prepare strategically rather than in a hurried manner. 

University societies such as the Economics Society and the Banking and Finance Society regularly host events featuring alumni and recruiters. These sessions offered insights into what firms truly look for in candidates and clarified how different roles operate in practice. Consistently attending these events helped me narrow my focus to opportunities and career paths that genuinely aligned with my interests and motivations.  

Through the services offered by QM Careers and Enterprise such as one-to-one CV guidance, and career fairs, I learnt how to tailor applications effectively and present my experiences with clarity in a quantitative manner. Using platforms such as Trackr, Handshake, and Bright Network were also useful in discovering opportunities and staying informed about application timelines. This helped me apply for positions as soon as they were opened as opposed to leaving it to the last minute. 

My Experience 

Commuting nearly three hours a day and working 9-to-5 is what my internship at Mount Judi Ventures looked like. Balancing long hours with personal commitments was initially challenging, but the team’s culture made a significant difference. Open discussions were encouraged, perspectives were valued, and morale remained high even under tight deadlines. 

The highlight of my experience was contributing to a deal as it moved from the deal flow to due diligence and ultimately the investment committee’s final vote. I was entrusted with the sizable responsibility of compiling the competitor analysis and contributed towards drafting the final investment memorandum, something that pushed me to work independently, yet closely with everyone. I was overjoyed when I recently found out that the deal had successfully been closed with Mount Judi participating in the $4 million round. 

Although workplace culture in India differs in some respects from the West, I found the communal nature of the office warmly accommodating. The team shared lunch together every day, and once a month a hearty South Indian breakfast was followed by a market update session presented by rotating team members. These sessions analysed the performance of funds across the country and emerging market trends, inviting a collaborative discussion and continuous learning. 

The openness of the hierarchy, where ideas could be shared freely with associates and the managing partner alike, gave me confidence in articulating my thoughts and expressing my opinions. That environment played a vital role, not just in my professional development but also in strengthening my ability to communicate with conviction. 

What You Should Expect and How to Succeed 

Much like most things in life, the application process is also an exception to the one-size-fits-all approach. But there are some things that I would recommend as best practices to get the most out of your recruitment cycle.  

First, prioritise focus over volume. Identifying a specific role or industry and dedicating your efforts towards it builds stronger applications than applying arbitrarily. Tailored cover letters that show genuine interest while highlighting the alignment between your skills, values, and the firm’s objectives make a far stronger impression than a reused template. 

Second, treat preparation as an additive process. Saving job descriptions and previous applications provides a valuable reference point for interviews. Understanding what a firm initially sought in your application allows you to frame your experiences accordingly during discussions, interviews and psychometric tests. 

Finally, view the process as developmental rather than transactional. Each application, interview, and networking conversation builds clarity about your interests and professional direction. A rejection is not the end, but just a kink in the learning curve.