Darryl Walker works for VCapital.com, an Internet company that links entrepreneurs with Venture Capitalists. From a satellite office in Norwalk, CT, Walker sources deals in the Northeast U.S. (Boston, Silicon Alley, Philadelphia, DC/Baltimore/North Virginia).

Vault.com: Darryl, fill us in on your background.
I graduated from Hampton University in 1990 with a BS in Computer Information Systems. I accepted a position with Andersen Consulting in their New York office. For four years, I helped develop Andersen's business process reengineering (BPR) methodology and then worked on select client engagements applying the methodology. While working on various engagements, I developed an interest in corporate strategy, and eventually decided to pursue other career opportunities. For the next two years, I worked first for CSC Index and then Monitor Company in New York working on various strategy and BPR studies. In August 1996, I matriculated at Cornell University's Johnson Graduate School of Management.

Vault.com: What did you concentrate on in B-School?
Initially, I considered a career in sports business and was pursuing a general management focus. I chose Cornell because I could take sports business-related courses at the Law School (sports law) and the International Labor Relations School (labor and sports economics). However, after conducting a number of informational interviews for a summer internship with executives in the sports business industry (major sports leagues), I decided it was a difficult career to pursue. I got the impression that some individuals would not appreciate the MBA while others would.

During my first semester, I had also developed an interest in venture capital and private equity finance. I focused my coursework on entrepreneurship and finance. At the end of my first year of business school, I applied for and received the Robert and Sue Toigo Fellowship. This fellowship is given to promising minorities who have an interest in finance. In addition to tuition assistance, Toigo Fellows are given a mentor in the area of finance that they are interested in, and enjoy the opportunity to network with other Toigo Fellows from other top business schools and Toigo alumni.

~ Vault.com: Tell us about your summer internship.
After conducting many informational and formal interviews with potential summer employers, I accepted an offer to work for Toronto Dominion Securities, splitting my summer experience with their Corporate Finance and Private Equity groups. I spent ten weeks in the Corporate Finance group and then rotated to the Private Equity group for five weeks. Through the Toigo Fellows program, I was also introduced to and hosted by a number of venture capital/private equity firms and the top investment banking firms on Wall Street regarding full-time careers.

Vault.com: Why did you decide to split your summer?
There are two types of B-school students: career changers and people looking to enhance their positions in their present field. I was a career changer. I had no previous corporate finance experience, and I was considering a career in the areas of either Venture Capital/Private Equity or Private Client Services. I knew the venture capital firms and investment banks would value my management consulting experience, but by gaining practical experience in corporate finance and venture capital, I would be able to "tell a better story" to recruiters for full-time opportunities.

Vault.com: What kind of jobs did you apply for your second year? Did you go through on-campus recruiting?
I considered jobs in venture capital and private client services. I conducted an independent job search for venture capital opportunities and a more formal on-campus job search for a career in private client services. I applied to several venture capital firms and private equity groups, leveraging many networks (Cornell, Toigo Foundation, and personal). I also talked with the major private client services firms: Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, and DLJ to name a few.

Vault.com: What were the interviews like?
The venture capital/private equity interviews focused on my understanding of technology (which was my preferred industry), the venture capital industry, and my specific experiences from my summer internship. The private client services interviews were typical as investment banking interviews go. You start with a round or two of interviews on-campus and then a day of usually 6-8 interviews where they discuss your knowledge of the capital markets and how you plan to "build your business" (develop clientele of high net worth individuals).

~ Vault.com: So what job did you end up taking?
Ultimately, I accepted a job (my first choice) with GE Equity ? GE Capital's private equity group ? in their Technology group. My principle reason for choosing GE Equity was because it would allow me to learn about the private equity industry while working on great technology deals.

Vault.com: What was the job like?
Overall the job was awesome! As an Associate in the Technology Group I was responsible for financial modeling, business analysis, sourcing deal flow and portfolio management. Associates had direct contact with the portfolio companies and were responsible for 90 percent of the work required to analyze a transaction. On any given transaction, the deal team would review business plans, then meet with the principals of a company we were initially interested in. After a presentation from the Company's management team, I would meet with the CFO in order to get a better understanding of their business and financial model. I would then return to the office to begin building a financial model, conduct business analysis, and then draft the investment memorandum that the deal team would have to present to the Investment Committee ? a group of GE Equity senior management who would evaluate the opportunity.

Vault.com: What's your take on GE Equity?
GE Equity is a significant player in the venture capital industry. Specifically, GE Equity considers both financial and strategic investments. The diverse businesses that comprise GE Capital and General Electric can add value to any given growth company. As a new MBA you learn about the venture capital/private equity industry (4-5 weeks of training) and have comprehensive responsibilities on deals.

Vault.com: And the industry in general?
The venture capital industry is hot given the emergence of the "new economy" and the way the new companies are being financed. The success of Internet companies in the public markets has driven the financial rewards of venture capital firms. So much so that the amount of venture capital being raised is at an all-time high.

~ As more venture capital funds are being raised there is a now a need for more investment professionals. Although it is still challenging to get a VC job, it is not as "clubby" as it was in the past. Minorities and women are gaining more and more access to this industry as well. Venture funds are looking for individuals who have a portfolio of skills. Previous investment banking, management consulting, and operating experience top the list. Investment banking skills are ideal because of the exposure to the capital structure of companies. Management consulting skills are equally important because of the problem solving and business analytic skills developed. Finally, operating experience may be most valuable because of the experience of running the day-to-day operation of a business. It is those lessons learned that are most valuable. MBAs who have all of these skills in their professional toolbox are the most sought after.

Vault.com: Tell me what you like about your job at VCapital.com.
VCapital.com serves as a "venture catalyst" in the new economy. We help streamline and standardize the front-end stages of the venture capital investment process, and save capital-seeking companies valuable time and money as they raise professional venture capital. VCapital.com also helps entrepreneurs create or expand their network of professional venture capital providers. It also offers venture capitalists a better way to filter incoming investment opportunities.

My role is a business development function. I am responsible for "sourcing deal flow" in the Northeast region ? I identify quality growth companies seeking venture capital. This is the ideal job for me because it allows me to help entrepreneurs in their capital raising strategies as well as VCs in their investment strategy.

Vault.com: Where do you see yourself going from here?
That is a very good question. I like my current job and believe there are many exciting things to come. Longer term, I see myself having an integral role with a startup company. Incubators are also very popular now. Working at an incubator would allow me to work with growth companies leveraging my strategic, financial, and operational skill set. Ultimately, I see myself in a social enterprise role.