Hello,
Great question. VCs value two kinds of practical experience: successful start-up experience (as in, you founded a company (or several) and ran it (or them) successfully for some time, ideally with an exit), or tech-focused investment banking. You should know that the odds of becoming a venture capitalist are pretty slim, especially if you've had neither of these experiences.
So as far as what to study during the MBA, the answer is: it depends. If you have zero finance experience, I would study finance/investment banking/venture capital and I would also be very involved in entrepreneurial activities/organizations on campus. The latter will expose you to the entrepreneurial process and help you meet with industry professionals(being on the organizing committee/team for your school's bplan competition is one great way to meet these folks). If you're a successful entrepreneur, study finance to balance out your skill set. If you have an IB background, focus on tech and entrepreneurship and more specifically on venture capital classes/networking. If you have no practical experience in either of these fields, be prepared to embark on one after school. Becoming a VC is usually a second career that follows one of the two I mentioned. Also, be sure to consult with your school's career services team - they will offer great help on what courses to take, etc.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
Mili
Mili Mittal
Senior Consultant
https://www.mbamission.com
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