Leavey Ambassadors Program Blogs

Over this past summer I got the opportunity to work at Pacific Lake Partners (PLP) as a Summer Analyst. Pacific Lake is a young and small venture capital firm that operates out of San Mateo, California. The firm focuses on investing through the search fund model. This is a relatively new investment method and requires a brief explanation. The model starts with an entrepreneur that is looking to buy a business. In order to fund their search for the business the entrepreneur goes out looking for investors. These investors tend range from HNW individuals, family offices and investment firms such as PLP. Investors give the entrepreneur capital in exchange for the rights to purchase a pro-rata amount of whatever business they acquire, if they end up acquiring one.

Overall, this was an amazing experience. I got the chance to apply all the skills I have been learning at LSB in the work place. While at PLP I got to make financial models, perform due diligence on possible acquisitions and create long term analysis on specific industries. And on top of all that I got to learn from some of the hardest working and most intelligent individuals I have ever been around. While at times it was hard work everyday was incredibly rewarding because I felt that my work was having a real impact. It was also a very different experience than I had in the past. My last two internships were at a very large insurance company and an international NGO. Through these three experiences I have learned what kind of work I enjoy and what kind of work cultures I enjoy. Outside of the knowledge and connections you gain, I think this is where the real value of internships lies. Its not just about figuring out what your interested and like but also what you don’t like. Going into my senior year I feel like I have a much better understanding of myself and were I want to end up long term because of my past experiences. And I wouldn’t have been able to do it without SCU and the LSB. My university experience has prepared me so well for every challenge I have faced in the workforce and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without it.