VOICES OF OUR INTERNS: THEIR INSIGHTS AND APPRECIATION OF DIVERSITY

​At Altus Partners, we proudly partnered with The 10,000 Intern Foundation for another successful year of hosting an intern, demonstrating our commitment to advocating for diversity in the workplace. This year, we collaborated with Pollen Street Capital, to launch our inaugural intern exchange program. We welcomed Daryl Briggs from The 10,000 Intern Foundation and Jennifer Burns from GAIN (Girls Are Investors) through this initiative.

Our intern, Zurielle Ocran-Sagoe, had the pleasure of interviewing Daryl and Jennifer about their experiences as students exploring opportunities and as interns. Here's what they had to share:

Q: How did you learn about 10KI / GAIN, and what motivated you to apply?

Daryl: "I secured my internship with Pollen Street Capital through the 10,000 Intern Foundation (10KI) scheme. I learned about the program through word of mouth at my university, specifically through the Economics Society. Although I studied Biomedical Sciences, I saw 10KI as a fantastic opportunity to break into the finance sector, motivated by my peers who had previously participated." The 10,000 Interns Foundation promotes equity of opportunity through its programs, offering paid internships to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Jennifer: "I recently graduated from the University of St Andrews and found my internship through GAIN—Girls Are Investors. GAIN supports young women and non-binary students in launching investment management careers through internships, insight programs, and challenges. I discovered GAIN through a social media post by my university's Women in Business Society. After a positive experience with a GAIN internship last summer, I decided to apply again to gain more experience in the finance sector and experience a change of environment in London."

Q: What advice would you give to a company considering hosting interns?

Daryl and Jennifer thoroughly enjoyed their time at Pollen Street Capital, extending their internships by two weeks. They highlighted the importance of balancing professional exposure with social activities. Jennifer shared, "We have a lot packed into our schedule, so brunch at Claridge’s or playing rounders with the team is a welcome addition. It balances the week."

Daryl added, "We participated in the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge run. It was on short notice, but I'm glad we joined. It was probably my best moment, allowing us to connect with people across the company and outside our team." Jennifer agreed, "Seeing colleagues in an informal setting and meeting new people helped us feel more included as interns. Extra-curricular activities during an internship are needed and often overlooked."

They suggest companies provide interns time at the week's end to consolidate their learning. Daryl noted, "Having dedicated time to reflect on what we've learned, maybe with a mentor, would be beneficial. It's easy to get caught up in day-to-day tasks and not take a moment to absorb everything."

Daryl and Jennifer encourage companies to host interns through programs like 10KI and GAIN, as interns bring fresh perspectives, and companies can play a crucial role in shaping the professional journeys of young people transitioning into the workforce.

Q: What advice would you give someone considering applying to industries that are not historically diverse?

Daryl and Jennifer, who applied to programs championing equality, diversity, and inclusion, value EDI highly. Daryl shared, "It's easy to assume EDI may not be a priority for many companies. Being here at Pollen Street Capital has shown me that some places do care. Working with schemes like GAIN and 10KI, it's clear they promote and encourage diversity in the workplace. However, there's always room for improvement, especially in finance."

Jennifer encourages applicants to remove any preconceptions that might discourage them. She emphasises, "What's the worst that can happen?" Daryl added, "Don’t let stereotypes and preconceptions hold you back. Approach your internship with an open mind. If they hired you, there's a reason for it. You should back yourself and have confidence in your abilities."

Both agree that stepping out of one's comfort zone is crucial for personal and professional growth.