At Good Rapport, we believe in celebrating the diverse career paths and motivations that drive women in finance. In this profile feature, we are excited for you to meet Laura Hamilton, a trailblazer in the world of venture capital, whose journey exemplifies determination, curiosity, and the pursuit of meaningful work. Laura was our spotlight for our very first pop-up event in January, where we prioritized networking, shopping, and learning in a fun and balanced way.

Career Journey and Motivation:

While attending the University of Pennsylvania (“Penn”) with a declared major in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE), Laura witnessed many of her friends and classmates starting careers in finance. As a 22-year-old student-athlete, balancing a demanding soccer and academic schedule, she didn’t quite know exactly what she wanted to do upon graduation. However, she knew she wanted to cast a wide enough net in her first role so that she could discover her work interests.

During on-campus recruiting at Penn, typically a week-long event where several companies visit campus to interview students in the Career Services Office for internship and full-time opportunities, she secured a consulting role providing her the opportunity to learn from many different types of people, work on different projects, and travel to unique places. Starting as a consultant was a great initial wedge into the world of finance. However, she was seeking a role where she could be on the growth side of a business, helping in a company's pivotal early years. That led her to reach out to Penn alumni and learn more about other industries, one of which was Venture Capital. Laura’s determination and ambition to land a role in venture capital was strong. She leveraged her strong networking skills and reached out to numerous Penn alumni in VC and cold applied to jobs until she reached her goal.

Laura currently focuses on early-stage investments in data, developer tools, and cybersecurity companies. Her passion for these areas stems from the rapid pace of innovation (especially in artificial intelligence) and the need for every company to have great infrastructure to build an amazing business.

One of her proudest achievements is the launch of her podcast, Partner Path. With over 30 episodes, Partner Path serves as an open platform for sharing success stories and insights from entrepreneurs and venture capital investors, inspiring countless individuals along the way. Partner Path has had a tangible impact on its audience, shedding light on untraditional career paths in finance, industry-focused investing positions, mentorship opportunities, and more. By tracking key performance indicators such as downloads, listenership trends, and engagement levels, Laura evaluates the effectiveness of her content strategy and ensures continuous improvement.

Balancing Work and Personal Life:

In a demanding industry like finance, achieving work-life balance is essential. Laura emphasizes the importance of pursuing a career aligned with one's passions and establishing routines to prioritize personal well-being. By carving out time for self-care activities and planning, she ensures a harmonious integration of work and personal life. Currently, her favorite workout class is Sculpt and Arms & Abs at KK Sweat in Flatiron.

Workwear Style:

Laura’s favorite workwear item “hands down is a blazer! I love an oversized blazer - specifically the pink corduroy one from Banana Republic with a pair of relaxed jeans or tan trousers. You can always dress up a blazer with a collared shirt underneath or down with a simple tank/t-shirt.”

Join the Conversation:

Good Rapport celebrates Laura and women like her who are redefining success in finance. Whether you're embarking on your career journey or seeking inspiration to advance in your field, let Laura's story ignite your passion and drive for excellence.

Join us as we empower women in finance to pursue their dreams, achieve balance, and make a meaningful impact in their professional and personal lives. Together, let's embrace the journey of growth, discovery, and success.

Good Rapport - Where Passion Meets Purpose in Finance.