Nittany Angels Gottscho Internship: Venture Capital Analyst & Scout

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 19,000; Part time

Job summary

The Nittany Angels venture & investment internship at The Pennsylvania State University offers a hands‑on experience in early‑stage investing, research, and deal sourcing. You will screen startups, analyze business models, and assist with investor outreach while collaborating with network leadership.

We seek a current Penn State student with strong research, communication, and organizational skills, able to work ~10–12 hours weekly in a hybrid/remote setting.

Qualifications

• Current Penn State undergraduate or graduate student.
• Interest in venture capital, angel investing, entrepreneurship, startups, finance, or technology commercialization.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Research and screen early‑stage companies seeking investment.
• Review startup pitch decks, business models, market opportunities, and basic financial information.
• Research industries, competitors, market size, financing activity, and other due diligence topics.
• Assist with preparation for investor and founder meetings, including research, questions, and meeting notes.
• Identify promising Penn State‑affiliated startups and founders.
• Research and help develop prospective investor and community partner lists.
• Maintain accurate startup, investor, and deal information in Nittany Angels systems.
• Assist with founder and investor outreach.
• Support pitch events, communications, and other Nittany Angels activities.
• Help develop templates, research resources, and processes to support the continued growth of the network.

Skills

Research

Analytical

Problem solving

Written communication

Verbal communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Preferred background in Business/Finance/Economics/Engineering/Data Science

Tools

CRM/deal management platforms

Startup research tools

AI/automation tools

Job description

About Nittany Angels

Nittany Angels is Penn State’s official angel investment network, connecting accredited investors with early‑stage startups founded by Penn State alumni, faculty, and students or based on University-licensed technology. The network focuses primarily on Seed and Series A companies across a variety of industries.

Position Overview

Nittany Angels is seeking a motivated Penn State student interested in venture capital, angel investing, entrepreneurship, and startups to join our team as a part‑time Venture & Investment Intern. This is a hands‑on opportunity to gain experience working within an active angel investment network. The intern will support startup research, deal sourcing, due diligence, investor engagement, and network operations while working directly with Nittany Angels leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and screen early‑stage companies seeking investment.
• Review startup pitch decks, business models, market opportunities, and basic financial information.
• Research industries, competitors, market size, financing activity, and other due diligence topics.
• Assist with preparation for investor and founder meetings, including research, questions, and meeting notes.
• Identify promising Penn State‑affiliated startups and founders.
• Research and help develop prospective investor and community partner lists.
• Maintain accurate startup, investor, and deal information in Nittany Angels systems.
• Assist with founder and investor outreach.
• Support pitch events, communications, and other Nittany Angels activities.
• Help develop templates, research resources, and processes to support the continued growth of the network.

Qualifications

• Current Penn State undergraduate or graduate student.
• Interest in venture capital, angel investing, entrepreneurship, startups, finance, or technology commercialization.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to appropriately handle confidential information.
• Preferred: Business, finance, economics, engineering, data science, life sciences, law, or related academic background.
• Previous exposure to startups, entrepreneurship, investment analysis, research, or student venture/investment organizations.
• Familiarity with financial analysis, startup research tools, AI/automation tools, or CRM/deal management platforms is a plus.

What You’ll Gain

This position provides hands‑on exposure to the early‑stage investment process, including startup sourcing, screening, due diligence, and investor relations. The intern will have opportunities to interact with Penn State founders, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts while building practical experience that can support future careers in venture capital, private equity, finance, entrepreneurship, consulting, or startup leadership.

This is a paid, part‑time student position designed to accommodate a student’s academic schedule, based at University Park, PA, with a hybrid/remote‑first work arrangement. The position requires a commitment of approximately 10–12 hours per week during the academic year, with a two‑year commitment preferred. Starting pay is $12.00 per hour for undergraduate students and $14.00 per hour for graduate students. The target start date is October 20, 2026, and interested students should apply by October 10, 2026.

Background Check/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Our Values

Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community.

We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.

There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land‑grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement.