Insights
By: Jessica Milsom
Get curious: pay close attention during internships
Meet Omer Mohammed
Stonehage Fleming are proud supporters of the 10,000 Interns Foundation, who provide aid internships for Black students and graduates through the 10,000 Black Interns programme. Omer spent six weeks with Stonehage Fleming Investment Management on the Alternatives desk in London.
Read the below snapshot of Omer’s experience.
What motivated you to apply for an internship with Stonehage Fleming?
Before my internship, I knew next to nothing about Stonehage Fleming. Since getting interested in cryptocurrency a few years ago, I have been fascinated by the inner workings of various asset classes and the financial markets. I really wanted to know how they functioned first hand.
What were your first impressions of Stonehage Fleming?
The culture was very different from what I had expected. I had a preconceived notion that working in asset management would be demanding and unwelcoming. Stonehage Fleming proved otherwise. Everyone I spoke to answered my inquiries and provided more exposure than I expected.
What were your top lessons learned?
I learned that investment strategy has a lot more to do with human behaviour than I had realised; sentiment can move markets. I also learned that in investment, there are no 'right' solutions unlike in science or engineering. Everyone has their own point of view based on fundamentals. That piqued my interest.
Why are internships important?
Programmes like #10,000 Black Interns are crucial. They introduce junior professionals and recent graduates to their desired industry and help them determine if they are a good match. For me, it was important to have conversations with members of the alternatives desk, the equity and fixed income teams from whom I received some candid insights. Not only can interns learn a lot from that access, but it also allows them to demonstrate their own abilities.
What advice would you give others on the internship scheme?
Always be willing to be curious about new things. If you are lucky enough to have access to senior staff members, ask lots of questions and pay close attention to their responses. You will gain so much more than valuable insights.
Comment from Jessica Milsom, Manager within Stonehage Fleming's Investment Strategy & Research: One of the things I like best about the internships we provide is that we can shape the internship around the candidate's specific goals and passions. As a result, interns tend to be more invested in the project, which benefits everyone involved. I hope the experience left Omer with a clearer view as to the opportunities within our industry, and wish him all the best for his future career.
Find out more about Stonehage Fleming's Investment Management team