u/Delicious_Top6513

Current sophomore at a T20 school trying to land a startup internship for the summer in NYC or SF. I know it’s getting a little late, but even unpaid is fine since I mainly want experience and to learn.

I’m non-technical, so I’ve been applying for growth/marketing/community roles. I’ve grown my own personal brand to 30k+ followers, but haven’t gotten much traction from applications so far.

Been cold applying through YC jobs and other startup boards with almost no responses.

For people who got startup internships early on, what actually worked?

• DMing founders on LinkedIn/Twitter?
• Cold emails?
• Networking?
• Offering to do trial work/projects?

If anyone has a blueprint/gameplan for breaking into startups as a non-technical student, I’d genuinely appreciate it.

Current sophomore at a T20 school trying to land a startup internship for the summer in NYC or SF. I know it’s getting a little late, but even unpaid is fine since I mainly want experience and to learn.

I’m non-technical, so I’ve been applying for growth/marketing/community roles. I’ve grown my own personal brand to 30k+ followers, but haven’t gotten much traction from applications so far.

Been cold applying through YC jobs and other startup boards with almost no responses.

For people who got startup internships early on, what actually worked?

• DMing founders on LinkedIn/Twitter?
• Cold emails?
• Networking?
• Offering to do trial work/projects?

If anyone has a blueprint/gameplan for breaking into startups as a non-technical student, I’d really appreciate it.

Hey everyone, I’m kind of freaking out and could really use some advice.

I was recently admitted to a T20, which I’m extremely grateful for.

I initially did not apply for financial aid because I didn’t realize the deadlines and requirements in time, dumb mistake on my part. Afterward, I emailed my assigned financial aid advisor explaining my situation clearly with my full name, current situation, etc. She responded directly to me and even sent me a screenshot showing what my financial aid package would supposedly look like.

I was satisfied with the amount shown, and because of that, I declined my offer from another cheaper T20 school whose commitment deadline happened to be the same day she sent me the financial aid estimate.

Now looking back at the numbers more carefully, it honestly seems like there may have been a mistake. The aid amount looks way higher than what I realistically should’ve received based on my family’s finances, and I’m worried she may have accidentally overestimated my aid or even mixed me up with someone else, even though she explicitly used my name in the email.

Is there anything I can do here? Since I relied on the financial aid information she sent me when making my final college decision and declined another offer because of it, is there any chance the school would honor that amount or work with me if it turns out to have been an error?

I’m honestly really stressed because I don’t know what my options are if the actual package ends up being way lower than what I was shown. Any advice or similar experiences would be really appreciated. Thank you.

Hey all,

I know nothing really beats just going out and building or joining a startup directly. But if you take a more traditional path first, I’m trying to understand how IB vs MBB compares in terms of eventually moving into startups.

Is one path more flexible than the other? For example, I’ve heard that MBB folks can sometimes move into investing roles like PE, whereas it’s tougher for IB analysts to transition into MBB. Curious if that kind of asymmetry is actually real or just overstated.

Long term, I want to pursue entrepreneurship, either starting something myself or joining an early-stage startup. Does choosing MBB vs IB meaningfully affect that path, or does it not matter much as long as you make the jump at some point?

Would really appreciate any insights, especially from people who made the switch.

Hey all,

I know nothing really beats just going out and building or joining a startup directly. But if you take a more traditional path first, I’m trying to understand how IB vs MBB compares in terms of eventually moving into startups.

Long term, I want to pursue entrepreneurship, either starting something myself or joining an early-stage startup. Does choosing MBB vs IB meaningfully affect that path, or does it not matter much as long as you make the jump at some point? (for example, i saw many chief of staff roles requiring Consulting experience, but if I were to do banking, would that significantly hurt my chances at those roles?)

Would really appreciate any insights, especially from people who made the switch.

I’m currently studying business and don’t have a technical background. I’ve never really built anything or coded, but I’m interested in learning.

For someone starting from zero, how much technical ability is realistically expected for founders? Is it necessary to be able to build a product yourself, or can you get by with basic understanding and a strong cofounder?

Also, how long would it typically take to reach a minimum level where you could build something simple or at least communicate effectively with engineers?

I’m a current college student trying to break into the startup world, but I’ll be honest, I’m starting from a pretty basic level of knowledge about the ecosystem.

I want to get a much deeper understanding of how startups actually work (fundraising, product, growth, etc.), and I’m looking for advice on the best ways to learn.

A few specific questions:

• Any must-follow podcasts, YouTube channels, or newsletters?
• What are the best ways to go beyond passive learning and actually understand things?
• How do you approach reaching out to founders or operators for chats without coming off as annoying?
• If you were starting from scratch again, what would you focus on first?

Also, I’d love to stand out more when talking to people in startups, what should I know or be able to speak about to come across as genuinely sharp vs. just interested?

Appreciate any advice

Hey everyone, I’m a rising sophomore at a T20 (semi-target for both finance and consulting) trying to plan for a long-term goal of entrepreneurship/startups, ideally starting my own company, joining something like YC-backed startups, or potentially breaking into VC.

As someone non-technical, would going down the investment banking or consulting route give more opportunities for this path? I know MBB is especially selective, but I’m curious how those paths compare in terms of building relevant skills, network, and credibility for startups or VC.

Would really appreciate any advice or perspectives.

Hey everyone, I’m a rising sophomore at a T20 (semi-target for both finance and consulting) trying to plan for a long-term goal of entrepreneurship/startups, ideally starting my own company, joining something like YC-backed startups, or potentially breaking into VC.

As someone non-technical, would going down the investment banking or consulting route give more opportunities for this path? I know MBB is especially selective, but I’m curious how those paths compare in terms of building relevant skills, network, and credibility for startups or VC.

Would really appreciate any advice or perspectives.

Hey everyone,

I’m coming from a non-technical background but I’m really interested in startups, either starting my own someday or joining an early-stage team.

For those who’ve been in the space, what are the most valuable skills to learn to be well-equipped?

I’m especially curious about:

• Technical skills that are realistic for non-engineers to pick up
• Other high-leverage skills that make someone useful early on
• Things that actually make you more hireable at startups

Would love to hear what made the biggest difference for you or what you wish you had learned earlier.

Thanks!

Hey everyone,

I’m coming from a non-technical background but I’m really interested in startups, either starting my own someday or joining an early-stage team.

For those who’ve been in the space, what are the most valuable skills to learn to be well-equipped?

I’m especially curious about:

• Technical skills that are realistic for non-engineers to pick up
• Other high-leverage skills that make someone useful early on
• Things that actually make you more hireable at startups

Would love to hear what made the biggest difference for you or what you wish you had learned earlier.

Hey everyone,

I’m a college student trying to break into finance, and I’m curious about something a bit different from the usual technical prep (modeling, accounting, etc.).

What are some non-finance skills or hobbies that you’ve found genuinely helpful for networking or standing out?

For example, I’ve heard things like:

• Golf being huge for relationship-building
• Pickleball becoming more popular in some circles
• Even random things like DJing or hosting events helping socially

I’m wondering what else falls into this category, skills that aren’t directly related to finance but help you connect with people, build rapport, or open doors.

Would love to hear what’s actually been useful in your experience (or what you wish you picked up earlier).

Thanks!