How Are You Most Effectively Utilizing Interns in Your Search Fund Journey?

May 28, 2025
by a searcher from New York University - Leonard N. Stern School of Business in New York, NY, USA
Hi SearchFunder Community,
As many of us navigate the demanding and multifaceted search fund process, I'm keen to tap into the collective wisdom on how to best leverage the enthusiasm and capabilities of interns.
We all know interns can be a valuable asset, potentially assisting with everything from industry research and deal sourcing to initial screening and data management. However, moving beyond the basics, I'm really interested in learning from your experiences:
What are your most effective strategies for truly maximizing the value interns bring to your search, and how do you ensure it's a mutually beneficial experience?
I'm particularly curious about:
* High-Impact Tasks: Beyond typical screening, what specific projects or responsibilities have you found where interns can deliver exceptional value?
* Structure & Stages: How do you tailor intern involvement to the different stages of your search (e.g., initial broad outreach vs. deep dive on a specific target)?
* Onboarding & Mentorship: In a lean search environment, what are your best practices for efficient onboarding, training, and providing meaningful mentorship?
* Motivation & Incentives: What creative and effective ways have you found to motivate interns, especially when financial compensation might be limited?
* Lessons Learned: What are some common pitfalls to avoid when integrating interns into your workflow, and what would you do differently if you were starting over?
* Ensuring a Quality Learning Experience: How do you balance getting the help you need with providing a genuinely enriching learning opportunity for them?
I'm looking to build a robust internship component and would be incredibly grateful for any insights, success stories, or cautionary tales you're willing to share.
Thanks in advance for your advice!
from University of Pennsylvania in Washington, DC, USA
from Stanford University in 450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305, USA