Founder's Associate Intern

About Generalyst and the Founder's Associate Internship

Dom here, founder of Generalyst. Finding a job these days is frustrating. So we flipped the job hunt concept on its head. With Generalyst, jobs find you, not the other way around. We started in 2024 placing full-time generalists (like Founder's Associates or Chiefs of Staff) in early-stage startups. Now, we're taking the next step: opening up our client base for candidates who are still in university – and want to start building their generalist career even earlier. This is the alpha version of the Generalyst Internship Program.

How the Internship Program Works

• Apply to Generalyst – fill out a ~7min form and upload your CV. Based on this application, we'll make a decision whether we want to accept you into our internship program or not.
• Your profile will be featured in our highly curated internship database that we share with our clients (mostly early-stage startups, often YC-backed).
• We'll then work with founders to find the right profiles for them from said database. If the founder believes you're a fit, they will book in a meeting with you.
• Once you're interviewing, we're more than happy to help you. We only make money if we make a placement, so we have a lot of incentive to make it work. So yes, startups apply to you to have you on as an intern.

Internship Details and Compensation

The program is open to both mandatory and voluntary internships, ranging from 3-12 months (2 months can be possible in special cases). We require our clients to pay you something, usually ranging from 1k-2.5k EUR a month, considering German minimum wage.

Key Requirements

• Permission to work in Germany
• Fluency in German (B2-Level and up)
• Speaking another EU language natively is a plus (specifically Dutch, Spanish, Swedish, French, Italian, Polish).

What is a Founder’s Associate Intern?

Founder’s Associates are generalists that work directly with a company’s founder (usually the CEO) on strategic initiatives, marketing, operations, sales, fundraising, and more. This role is a fantastic opportunity to get to know the ins-and-outs of startup building. You’ll get an overview of a variety of business areas, allowing you to go deeper in fields that you’re curious about. Common progression opportunities include becoming a full-time Founder's Associate, or later on a Chief of Staff, an individual contributor or even management (think: Head of X) positions, or founding a startup yourself. Former Founder's Associates often make the best future founders.

Who We Are Looking For

This is an internship program, so you're likely still in university. If you've just graduated, that's cool, too. But you might want to consider just getting a full-time position instead.

The best candidates at Generalyst bring the following markers:

• Track Record of Excellence: High-level achievements in sports, academics, previous internships, competitions, or other significant endeavors.
• High Agency: Proactive individuals who forge their own path and go against conventional wisdom. Read the essay on www.highagency.com.
• Clarity of Communication: Clear, concise communication, avoiding buzzwords. Focus on getting things done.
• Bias for Action: Taking initiative and solving problems without overthinking. Ask for forgiveness, not permission.
• Business Acumen: Background or demonstrated interest in business through side hustles, reading, or experiences, especially if not studying business.

How to Apply

• Click "Apply now".
• Fill out the form you're directed to.
• Done.

About Generalyst

Generalyst is the career accelerator for those who don’t want to specialize. We believe the future belongs to Generalists, and want to do our part in building up the generalist talent of the future.

Why the Emphasis on German Language?

Approximately 80% of our partner companies are based in Germany and require German language skills for interfacing with authorities, writing grant applications, or interacting with local businesses. This ensures a better experience for both candidates and companies by avoiding language barriers and matching candidates with relevant opportunities.

If you’ve read this far and still want to be considered without speaking German, please use the keyword “Holundersaft” somewhere in your application. We reserve 20% of spots for super high potential, non-German speakers.

Remote Work Policy

While remote work is understood, this internship requires in-person presence. Learning occurs 80% via osmosis, by being present with the right people. Therefore, remote internships are not possible to maximize learning and career development.

Key Skills/Competency

• Founder's Associate
• Internship
• Startup
• Generalist
• Business Development
• Operations
• Marketing
• Sales
• Fundraising
• Communication