Maika Pereira, WH ’23, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
This summer I was able to intern at a Brazilian Venture Capital firm where I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the fast-paced and innovative worlds of VC and Tech. Not only did I develop new skills and learn how VC firms operate, but I also learned more about the intricacies and enormous potential that Latin America holds. Venture Capital funds have been making important contributions that are promoting economic growth in this region.
Throughout this 10-week internship, I was mainly involved in producing their yearly report on tech trends in Latin America. This report acts as a major source for investors around the world. My tasks involved primary and secondary research, data analyses, hypothesizing and identifying trends, PowerPoint building, presenting, and more. I got to meet and talk to the founders of several well-known companies across Latin America and had the opportunity to present ideas and listen to their feedback. Additionally, I was able to talk to established investors in the region and listen to their trajectories and how they got where they are and achieved success. In addition, I was pushed out of my comfort zone as I investigated and learned about some topics I was not as familiar with. This made the internship experience more challenging and exciting and helped me develop my communication skills.
Other than the report, I also had the chance to participate in deal flow calls and to conduct due diligence on a potential investment: building a P&L statement, talking to relevant experts, and assisting in a final investment recommendation. In addition, I listened to passionate founders and discussed their brilliant ideas. After hearing from them, my team and I would evaluate their plans, ask questions, and learn about their accomplishments. With these experiences, I better understood what it would be like to work at a VC firm and to learn about all that goes into an investment decision and get a glimpse of what the associates’ and partners’ day-to-day schedules look like.
Overall, this amazing opportunity has not only taught me new skills and developed existing skills, but also let me witness first-hand how a VC firm works. Not only did I learn a great deal, but I also had the pleasure of working alongside amazing people who challenged me, taught me, and all of whom I strongly admire. The culture was embracing and helpful and the days in the office were a perfect dichotomy: fun and productive. The work was interesting and challenging in a way that constantly enriched me.
I am very thankful for this rewarding opportunity available because of our Career Services and Student Financial and Registration Services.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2022 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here.
