Ashmit Nangia (EE1)
Domain: Investment Analyst
Interned at IvyCap
Mode: Online
Interviewed by: Rishit Srivastava
INTRODUCTION
I’m Ashmit, currently in my third year, pursuing Electrical Engineering. Apart from academics, I’m actively involved in debating, playing tennis, and I’m a huge cricket fan. I’m based out of Delhi.
Could you briefly explain your internship role and what exactly you worked on?
I interned with IvyCap, a venture capital firm, as an Investment Analyst in their Portfolio Management Division. My role involved working with several companies that IvyCap had invested in, helping them grow their revenue and profitability. This was done by analysing industry practices, identifying what these companies were struggling with, and providing solutions to bolster their performance.
MOTIVATION
What motivated you to pursue a second-year internship in this field?
After my first-year internship with EY in consulting, I wanted to explore something different before fully committing to consulting in my third year. I wasn’t particularly interested in a tech internship, so I decided to try something in the investing space. This was suggested by some seniors, and it seemed like a good way to explore a new domain and see if it might be a future career path for me.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Can you walk us through the timeline of your application process and how you secured this internship?
I started by reaching out to IIT Delhi alumni working in the investing space through LinkedIn. I researched the top VCs in India and connected with people working there, sending out my resume and a cover letter. I sent emails to about 10 VCs, contacting 5-6 people per VC. Around March, I initially secured an internship with IvyCap in a different role related to EVs (Electric Vehicle Systems), but that project got shelved. I was then transferred to the Portfolio Management Division after another round of interviews. It was a remote internship, so I didn’t need to relocate.
INTERNSHIP PROCESS
Many students are in the process of applying for their second-year internships. What advice would you give them on building a strong resume and cover letter?
Resume:
Your resume should tell a cohesive story. It shouldn’t look like you’ve just dabbled in random activities. There should be a clear progression that shows growth and focus.
Formatting is crucial. Important points, such as the companies you’ve worked with and the impact you’ve created, should stand out.
Organise your achievements in order of relevance to the role you’re applying for.
Cover Letter:
Your cover letter should complement your resume by explaining your story in more detail. It’s where you can talk about your motivation and elaborate on experiences that don’t fit into bullet points on your resume.
Personalise your cover letter as much as possible. Mention specific projects or aspects of the company that interest you. This shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the role.
LEARNINGS
What was the most interesting part of your internship, and how do you think it helped you evolve?
The most interesting part was definitely the exposure to different industries. I didn’t know much about influencer marketing before this internship, but through secondary research, white papers, and conversations with startup founders, I gained a lot of knowledge. This experience of gathering and applying information from diverse fields was invaluable.
Another significant aspect was the opportunity to present my findings to senior executives, including the CEO of the portfolio management division. This helped me develop better communication and presentation skills, which have been crucial in my subsequent experiences, including my third-year internship process. It taught me how to organize my thoughts and present them clearly and concisely to high-level stakeholders.
ADVICE
Finally, do you have any general advice for second-year students about their internship search and how they should approach it?
Focus on the learning experience rather than just the brand name or the internship itself. It’s important to choose an internship in a domain that interests you or that you want to explore rather than just trying to get any internship. This experience is about building your foundation, not just filling out your resume.
Also, don’t worry too much about the internship process. It’s not as daunting as it seems. Most companies are looking for a willingness to learn and basic problem-solving skills, which you can showcase with a willingness to learn. So, start early, stay focused on your learning goals, and don’t stress out!
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