My Placement Year at Pembroke: A Look into Venture Capital
Why I Applied As part of my four-year Accounting and Finance course at the University of Bath, I was keen to spend my placement year in a role that combined finance with real-world application. Pembroke stood out as an opportunity to explore the world of venture capital – a field I’ve always been interested in. I was excited by the chance to use my academic knowledge in a practical environment. Starting Out: The Onboarding Process I was lucky to have a two-week handover with the previous placement student, Oscar, who shared valuable insights and advice with me. From day one, I was encouraged to ask questions and engage with every part of the business. The open, no-judgment approach created an ideal environment for learning and getting to grips with the role. What I’ve Learned About Pembroke and Its Portfolio My time at Pembroke has provided me with a brilliant introduction to the world of venture capital and an understanding of early-stage businesses, from evaluating investment opportunities to supporting portfolio companies as they mature. I’ve gained insight into how businesses can succeed, fail, and how different operating models suit different industries. Skills I’ve Developed This role has been invaluable for my professional development. My confidence has grown significantly, especially when presenting or speaking with senior team members. I’ve also improved my time management by balancing recurring tasks, meetings, and project deadlines. Most significantly, I’ve developed a strong foundation in company valuation – a skill that is challenging to get right! What It’s Like to Work at Pembroke Pembroke is really a fantastic place to work. The team genuinely invests in your development, offering mentorship, writing coaching, and leadership training. Being part of a smaller company meant I could see how each person’s work contributes to a collective goal, and it’s a collaborative environment where everyone has the opportunity to be involved and have their say. The portfolio company that stood out to me… One company that really captured my interest was Secret Food Tours. I tracked its performance throughout my placement and heard glowing feedback from colleagues. I joined one of the tours with the team – a tour around Soho- it was a really engaging way to see the tangible impact of one of our investments. The recent partial exit, which delivered strong returns, was exciting to witness from the inside too. Culture and team Beyond the day-to-day work, Pembroke offers an impressive social calendar – from Winter Wonderland trips and cinema outings to bike rides and summer parties. A personal favourite was this year’s team away day, which included a leadership session with world-renowned coach Floyd Woodrow. It was the perfect mix of professional development and team bonding. The culture here is incredibly welcoming. From the start, every team member has been approachable and generous with their time, which has made my first corporate experience not only less daunting, but genuinely enjoyable.
