Case studies: Intern analyst: Ayuka Hasekura

Ayuka completed an MBA at Aston Business School and currently works as an intern analyst for a private equity investment firm but is completing further study part time.

I changed my field from consulting into finance, and therefore, I had to start at junior level again. I also realised I needed to undertake further study after my Masters degree, specifically in finance to secure a future in the corporate finance/investment banking industry.

I researched various finance and corporate finance programmes at different schools in London by visiting the websites of a list of reputable institutions. I decided to choose a corporate finance programme at London Business School due to their brand name and have recently started the course.

I am self-funding this course part time whilst working to gain more specific practical financial tools. Key topics I’m studying include valuation techniques, company valuation and valuation using multiples. In addition, the course also involves a company valuation project. I am hoping the completion of the course will give me an advantage in the workplace due to the knowledge I will gain and from the reputation of the business school.

A typical day as an intern analyst involves research and analysis, liaising with stakeholders for information, writing documentation and discussion with colleagues. The most challenging aspect of my job is requiring a high level of expert knowledge but I enjoy the pressure and being able to work with bright colleagues. Ultimately, I would like to be an investment professional and own my own firm.

You need various skills to be a successful investment professional, which include a mixture of soft and hard skills. In terms of soft skills, you need to be a good presenter, communicator and negotiator to influence your colleagues and clients. The hard skills you need are to be good at financial modelling and the evaluation of companies.

The advantage of further study in my case is the additional knowledge gained, but a disadvantage is the cost. My advice would be to think carefully about how further study will support your own career aims. Do some research with employers to see how your chosen qualification is viewed and whether it would really be an advantage.