Investor relations managers must have at least five years of relevant work experience in investor relations, public relations, finance, and marketing. Associates need about two years of experience (which can involve a combination of both internship and on-the-job training) at a public relations or marketing firm—ideally one that provides services to the venture capital industry.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and sales ability are needed to prosper in this occupation. Investor relations specialists must be able to translate complex investing and business concepts into plain English in order to convince potential investors to invest in their firm’s fund, provide clear and concise information to limited partners who may be worried about the performance of the fund, and interact daily with their colleagues in meetings and via telephone calls, web conferences, and e-mails. Other important traits include:
- a strong work ethic
- excellent business judgment
- an organized and detail-oriented personality
- strong Microsoft Office skills, especially in PowerPoint
- well-developed project management skills
- discretion and the ability to manage highly confidential and sensitive information
- the ability to work under pressure and tackle multiple tasks and projects