How to Break Into Asset Management in Germany – from a Part-Time, Non-Target, Distance Learning MBA Program

So, what about those part-time MBA programs? Do banks and finance firms take them seriously, even if they’re online? What about continental Europe recruiting vs. the UK?

Today you’ll learn about those and other topics from a reader who recently broke into the finance industry in Germany.

This reader also did an internship at a Fund of Funds (FoF) so as an added bonus you’ll get a crash-course in all things FoF as well.

That’s quite a lot to cover in one interview, so let’s get started.

How to Break Into Finance as a Consultant

I’m not gonna lie: I haven’t treated consultants very well before – and even though that infamous Leveraged Sellout video is ancient history by now, it still pops into my head whenever I get questions from consultants.

But despite that, I still do get lots of questions from consultants on how to move into the world of finance, mostly to investment banks and private equity firms.

In some ways, you’re in a better position than engineers, lawyers, or accountants trying to break in – but the bad news is that a lot of bankers don’t like consultants.

So here’s what you do to get around that and break into finance:

What Do You Do as a Venture Capitalist?

Last time around we talked at length about how you break into venture capital, what VCs and headhunters look for, and how resumes, networking, and interviews differ when you apply to VC jobs.

Now we’re going to jump into all the questions you’re really curious about:

• What you actually do each day as a venture capitalist
• How you advance to the Partner-level
• How much you work and how much you get paid
• The economics of VC firms and why your pay is so dependent on the firm’s size
• Trade-offs of venture capital vs. investment banking, private equity, and entrepreneurship

So let’s dive right in.