My Finance Internship: A Week-by-Week Account

This summer, I embarked on a finance internship at a boutique investment firm, a real-world plunge after years of textbook learning. Here’s a snapshot of my experiences, week by week.

Week 1: Orientation and Data Dive

The first week was all about onboarding. I met the team, learned about the firm’s investment philosophy (value-driven, long-term), and got acquainted with the software and databases they used. My initial task was to clean and organize historical financial data for a potential acquisition target. It felt tedious at first, poring over spreadsheets, but I quickly realized the importance of accurate data for informed decisions. By the end of the week, I had a solid understanding of the firm’s data infrastructure and a growing appreciation for the power of Excel.

Week 2: Market Research and Analysis

I transitioned from data entry to market research. I was assigned to analyze the competitive landscape of the target company, focusing on market share, growth trends, and key players. I spent hours reading industry reports, company filings (10-Ks, 10-Qs), and news articles. I learned how to synthesize large volumes of information and identify the most relevant insights. My analysis contributed to a presentation for the senior partners, which was both nerve-wracking and rewarding.

Week 3: Financial Modeling and Valuation

This week was the most challenging and exciting so far. I was introduced to financial modeling and began building a discounted cash flow (DCF) model to value the acquisition target. I struggled initially with projecting future revenues, costs, and cash flows. My supervisor provided invaluable guidance, teaching me how to make reasonable assumptions, sensitivity analysis, and scenario planning. By the end of the week, I had a working model, albeit a simplified one, and a much deeper understanding of valuation principles.

Week 4: Due Diligence and Presentation Preparation

The focus shifted to due diligence. I assisted in gathering and reviewing documents related to the target company’s legal, financial, and operational performance. I learned about the importance of verifying information and identifying potential red flags. I also helped prepare a presentation summarizing our findings and recommendations for the investment committee. The experience highlighted the collaborative nature of finance and the need for clear and concise communication.

Week 5: Presentation and Wrap-up

The culmination of our work: the presentation to the investment committee. While I wasn’t the one presenting, I felt a sense of ownership and pride in the work we had done. The committee’s feedback was insightful and helped me understand the practical considerations that go into investment decisions. The final week involved summarizing my contributions, reflecting on my learning, and networking with the team. I left the internship with a clearer understanding of my career goals and a valuable set of skills and experiences.

Overall, my finance internship was an incredibly enriching experience. It provided me with a glimpse into the fast-paced world of finance and solidified my interest in pursuing a career in investment analysis. I learned valuable technical skills, developed my analytical thinking, and gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of teamwork and communication.