Internship Archives

Evadne Ong’s journey is a great example of the growth we aim to foster at Genesis Alternative Ventures. After interning with us from December 2021 to August 2022, she returned in May 2025 to begin her career as a full-time Investment Analyst. Her story from intern to team member highlights how a positive and challenging internship experience can lay the groundwork for a career in investment.

We sat down with Evadne to discuss her time here, her seamless transition, and the skills that helped her turn an internship into a full-time position.

Genesis [G]: Beyond the job title, what was the biggest change in your day-to-day responsibilities and overall mindset when you transitioned from intern to full-time analyst?

Evadne [E]: The biggest shift for me was moving from “assisting” to “owning.” As an intern, I was focused on supporting tasks, building models, learning the ropes, and doing what was asked. In contrast, as an analyst now, I’m responsible for owning projects from start to finish, ensuring accuracy, and contributing my own opinions to influence investment decisions. This new responsibility has pushed me to think about the bigger picture, not just completing tasks, but also helping others, like our interns, connect the dots.

[G]: What specific skills or knowledge did you gain during your internship that you found most critical for hitting the ground running as a full-time analyst? Were there any areas you had to quickly upskill in?

[E]: My internship at Genesis gave me a strong foundation in venture debt and taught me how to analyze companies from both a growth and credit perspective. These insights were absolutely critical. After my Genesis internship, I completed two more internships in Private Equity, which helped me sharpen my technical financial modeling skills. By the time I returned to Genesis as a full-time analyst, I was able to combine both experiences: applying the technical rigor from private equity with the unique growth mindset and structuring perspective I first developed here.

[G]: Thinking back to your internship, what was the biggest obstacle you had to navigate, and how did that experience build the skills and confidence you rely on today?

[E]: The most significant challenge was learning to think like a venture debt investor while also building up my technical skills. Genesis was my first finance internship, and while my prior experience at Protégé Ventures gave me a great feel for venture capital, the focus was on equity, not debt. I had to quickly adapt my thinking to the world of debt. What really helped me was my subsequent private equity internships, where I sharpened my technical toolkit and gained confidence in my approach.

[G]: Genesis is known for its “fully immersive” internship program. Can you share a specific project or deal that gave you a hands-on, real-world learning experience that you didn’t expect to get?

[E]: One project that really stood out was being part of a live financing deal. I got to assist with building the financial model and preparing materials for the Investment Committee (IC) meeting. I didn’t expect to be involved in writing the IC memorandum as an intern, so it was a fantastic and pleasant surprise. I was really grateful for the opportunity to be part of a deal that was ultimately approved by the IC.

[G]: You work closely with deal managers and senior leadership. How has the mentorship and collaborative culture at Genesis shaped your professional growth?

[E]: The mentorship at Genesis is truly exceptional. As both an intern and a full-time analyst, I’ve found that the senior team is always willing to answer my questions and openly share their thought processes and insights. They even organize workshops and masterclasses to teach not just hard skills, but also soft skills like the art of negotiation. This open culture has made it easier to learn quickly and has allowed me to take ownership and develop my judgment from the very beginning.

[G]: The culture is described as open, inquisitive, and collaborative. What does that mean in practice, and what qualities do you think an intern needs to thrive in this environment

[E]: For us, being open, inquisitive, and collaborative means that juniors and interns are genuinely encouraged to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and dig into the “why” behind decisions. When I was an intern, my analysis and questions were taken seriously, which pushed me to think critically. To thrive in this environment, an intern needs to be resourceful, detail-oriented, and above all, inquisitive. The people who succeed here are the ones who go beyond the numbers to understand a deal.

[G]: What was the most surprising or unexpected part of your internship, and how did it influence your decision to join the team full-time?

[E]: The most surprising part of my internship was the relationships I built with the team. I came in expecting it to be a learning experience, but I left with genuine friendships and strong connections with mentors who were truly invested in my growth. The open and collaborative culture made it easy to connect, and those relationships gave me a strong sense of belonging. That experience played a huge role in my decision to return as a full-time analyst—I knew I wasn’t just joining a firm, but a team I genuinely enjoyed working with and learning from.

[G]: Now that you are a full-time analyst, what are you most excited to contribute to the firm, and how do you see yourself growing with Genesis Alternative Ventures in the coming years?

[E]: I’m excited to combine what I learned in private equity and venture debt to contribute to Genesis’s growth. My immediate focus is to deepen my expertise in structuring and execution, and eventually lead my own deals while mentoring newer analysts and interns. Looking ahead, I want to help strengthen Genesis’s position as the go-to venture debt partner for high-growth companies across Southeast Asia.

[G]: What is the single most important piece of advice you would give to an undergraduate who is keen on pursuing an internship or a full-time role in the venture capital industry

[E]: My advice is to seek out diverse experiences. These will expose you to different working cultures and a variety of skill sets, making you a more well-rounded candidate. It’s also just as important to have hobbies outside of work and academics—they keep you balanced and help broaden your perspective. Whatever path you take, approach it with curiosity and adaptability—those qualities will truly set you apart in venture capital.

Evadne’s journey shows that an internship is much more than a job; it’s an opportunity to build a foundation for the future. It also illustrates the kind of growth that’s possible when hands-on experience, genuine mentorship, and an empowering culture come together. We are incredibly proud of everything she has accomplished and are thrilled to officially welcome her back to the Genesis family as a full-time Investment Analyst.

An internship is a great way for undergraduates to gain real-world experience and develop new skills while still in university. However, getting an internship can be competitive, and the interview process can be daunting.

We asked our Communications and HR Manager, Michelle Low, to share some tips to help you ace your internship interview:

#1: Research, research, research

Before your interview, it is crucial to research the company you are applying to. This will help you understand their mission, values, and culture. Look at their website, social media accounts, and recent news articles to get a sense of what they do, who their customers are, and what their goals are.

You can also check employee reviews on websites like Glassdoor or better yet, reach out to their current and past interns for front-seat review. This will help you tailor your responses during the interview and show that you are genuinely interested in the company.

#2 Prepare for the predictable

Most internship interviews will include common questions such as “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and “Why do you want to intern with us?”

The best way to prepare responses to these questions is to understand yourself and what you can bring to the table. So list out your strengths (e.g. “advanced Excel skills” or “willingness to learn”) with examples of how you applied these strengths in other situations. It’s always best if your strengths match up to what’s stated in the job description.

In terms of areas of development, do not be shy about admitting them. In fact, the interviewer will appreciate your honesty and self-awareness. But always add what you are to mitigate your weaknesses. For example, “I am weak at proofreading my own work so I try to finish it ahead of time and ask someone to help me with proofreading.”

#3 Show enthusiasm and energy

During the interview, show your interviewer that you’re excited about the opportunity to intern with their company. Smile, make eye contact, and speak with energy and enthusiasm. This will demonstrate that you’re passionate about the work you’ll be doing and will help you stand out from other candidates.

#4 Ask thoughtful questions

At the end of your interview, you will likely be asked if you have any questions. Use this opportunity to ask thoughtful questions about the company, the internship program, or the interviewer’s experience. This will show that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the company.

For instance, “I read on your website that venture debt is not the same as revenue-based financing but I am not clear as when startups should pick one over the other.”

#5 Dress for success

First impressions matter, even in online interviews. Dress appropriately for the company culture and industry. If you are unsure of the dress code, it’s better to be overdressed. Don’t forget to check your lighting, background, and internet stability.

#6 Follow up with a thank-you

Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview, reiterating your interest in the internship and thanking the interviewer for their time. And don’t forget to attach any documents as PDFs – viruses are a big no-no.

With these tips, you’re sure to ace your internship interview and take the first step toward an exciting and fulfilling career. Good luck!

Christopher Yap: From Intern to Associate

What does it take to go from a curious intern to an Investment Associate in the dynamic world of venture capital? Meet Christoper Yap.

Chris started as an intern with Genesis in June 2022. He was hired as a full-time investment analyst upon graduation from the Singapore Management University as a Finance and Banking major. Since then, his passion and drive quickly propelled him through the ranks, leading to his promotion to Senior Analyst in July 2024 and, most recently, to Associate in July 2025.

We caught up with Chris to uncover the experiences that have shaped his exciting career journey so far.

Genesis [G]: Hi Chris, please tell us more about yourself.

Chris [C]: I’ve always had a keen interest in finance, investments, and entrepreneurship. My ultimate goal is to be an entrepreneur, starting a company and growing it while helping to improve the lives of others.

Outside of work, I am an avid basketball fan, watching the latest games or classic match-ups of the 1990s. I also enjoy football, golf, hanging out with friends, reading and watching movies, or trying out new experiences and challenges.

[G] At university, you majored in Finance and Banking. What prompted your choice?

[C]: I’ve always been interested in Finance from a young age. I first started investing in stocks in secondary school, and I really enjoyed figuring out the story behind the numbers. Things like: why did a company’s sales improve? How would the macroeconomic environment affect them? What’s their value proposition against competitors? I loved forming my own thesis based on the information I gathered.

The diverse and dynamic nature of Finance was very engaging and exciting to me, allowing me to tap into different skill sets and see the interlink between business, finance, and economics.

[G]: Please describe your typical workday, if there is such a thing!

[C]: There is no such thing as a typical workday! The amount of innovation out there is amazing, especially in the tech industry. It is dynamic and constantly evolving, and there is always something new to learn every day!

The fast-paced environment keeps me constantly engaged, while on slower days, I research emerging industries and technologies, or topics which I am particularly intrigued by, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Crypto, Metaverse, or Mixed Reality (XR).

[G]: What was your internship experience like at Genesis and what prompted you to accept the offer of a full-time analyst role?

[C]: I initially joined Genesis with no experience in the venture debt/capital industry. However, the team was very open and willing to guide and mentor me.

Being an intern at Genesis is great if you’re inquisitive and enjoy working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. As long as you take initiative and ask questions, the seniors—including the Partners—are more than willing to teach you.

Interns have the opportunity to take on higher-level responsibilities, such as being involved in a deal from origination to execution, attending networking events, talking to startup founders, undertaking financial modelling and due diligence, and culminating with a presentation to the Investment Committee (IC) for approval.

Genesis places a strong emphasis on learning and development, where the team members take turns to their experiences, be it during weekly discussions or through masterclasses.

Besides working hard, the team knows how to have fun too! For one of our Bonding Day, we went for a short hike, raced each other in the Luge at Sentosa, and ended off with a durian buffet! When overseas travel opened up, the team went on a trip to Penang, taking in the sights and eating a lot of delicious food.

The dynamic and challenging nature of venture debt investing, coupled with the positive culture at Genesis and the opportunity to further develop myself prompted me to accept the conversion offer and continue my journey with Genesis as a full-time member of the Investment and Portfolio team.

[G]: What advice would you give to undergraduates who are seeking an internship in Genesis or any VC firm?

[C]: There is no defined path into the VC space, and that is what makes it so exciting in my opinion! You will have the opportunity to work with professionals from diverse backgrounds and learn from them. Start developing your soft skills and build meaningful relationships with professionals within the VC ecosystem. You’ll find that most are willing to give advice and share their personal experiences.

The VC space is fast-paced, dynamic, and constantly evolving. This means that an aspiring venture capitalist should be comfortable being uncomfortable, pushing themselves out of their comfort zones, and being able to adapt and work in an unstructured environment.

A strong technical foundation is a good starting point. This includes learning to build financial models, understanding business models, financial statements, valuation, and so on. But it’s just as important to back our technical skills with an inquisitive and open mind, and to dig deeper into the story behind the numbers.

[G]: Finally, congratulations on your promotion to Associate, Chris! How do you feel about this next step in your career at Genesis?

[C]: Thank you for the recognition. I am grateful for the mentorship and guidance from the Partners, and the support from the team who have helped me achieve this milestone. I look forward to continuing to grow and develop myself, striving towards the next milestone in my career.

Evadne Ong: From Intern to Analyst

Internship Interview: How to Impress Without Stress

Christopher Yap: From Intern to Associate

Christopher Yap: From Intern to Associate