Pros
I was a fellow at SV but decided it wasn’t for me within the first month of the program. While there are many positives to this program, I also believe there are many negatives and that SV Academy tries to brain wash their fellows. I also believe that they give false promises and some of their expectations are completely outrageous. Pros: intense training, one on ones with a life coach, learn from previous fellows, work on your character and learn how to “sell” the SV way, become part of a larger community with inner connections.
Cons
Cons: Business Development is wide in scope and calling this a BD fellowship is somewhat misleading as SV Academy is more rightful and elite/glorified boot camp for an entry level sales position. They require relocation but the job you get will 99% most likely not cover relocation costs and it’s very likely that where you have to relocate has a much higher cost of living than where you currently reside unless you already live in the Bay. The work required becomes increasingly burdensome because you’re forced to do group work every single week and are assigned to a new person each week. I had a few instances where the person I was grouped with ghosted me or someone else was ghosted and was scrambling on slack to find a person to do the assignment with. You also have to try really hard to work around each other’s schedules which becomes quit hard when people in the academy are from all over and you have to take into account different time periods. This does happen in real life business but it’s not the same. Trust me. They do a good job at selling you on the “SV coolaid” but I don’t think everyone fully reads the contract when they join. Totally you’re own fault if you don’t read, but in an essence- SV Academy is an elite temp agency. While enrolled, you are not allowed to apply to any jobs or communicate with any recruiters unless you put them in direct contact with SV Academy. AND if you get a job through the academy you are required to stay at the company for a minimum of 1 year as a SDR unless promoted from within. You’re basically signing your life away. The reviews on Glassdoor are totally bias. One of the extra credit assignments in the academy is to post a positive review. Just saying. They are pretty hard core on wanting to look 5 star at all times. They tell you your not allowed to advertise on your resume or on your LinkedIn that you joined or where part of the academy unless your graduate and get a job. All in all, I think this academy can do great things for you if you fall in the following categories: 1. Can’t get a job and have nothing to lose 2. Have a family that’s willing to support you and help you with relocation cost 3. Are SUPER passionate about sales and cold calling 4. Have 20-30 hours to dedicate weekly to the program