“The most exciting part [of the job] is the significant responsibility you receive after demonstrating your capabilities”: Interview with Jobin Mokhtari Lakeh, Investment Banking intern

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Jobin Lakeh and I am from Oslo. I am a second-year student pursuing a degree in Industrial Economics and Technology Management at NTNU.
 
What made you choose an internship in investment banking at ABGSC?
One of the main reasons is that former interns have spoken highly of their experiences at ABGSC, noting the significant responsibilities they were given from day one, and the excellent onboarding program that equipped them for the tasks in Investment Banking. This made ABGSC sound like an ideal place for immersive learning, and I was eager to experience that firsthand.
 
Can you tell us about your experience so far?
These first weeks have been very exciting. I was tasked with working on an RFP (“Request for Proposal”) with a notably short deadline, which made the learning curve from onboarding to real-life projects quite steep. However, this provided an excellent opportunity to put all the theory into practice. The best part was the project team giving me complete responsibility for my analyses and work, while always being on standby to clarify or explain anything if needed. The fast-paced environment, combined with supportive colleagues, creates a fantastic arena for growth and development.
 
What have you enjoyed the most so far?
Besides the delicious waffles in the ABGSC canteen, and all of the junior gatherings, I find the balance between being on your own in deep water and receiving help from colleagues to be the most exciting aspect of the job. This approach allows you to figure out nearly everything independently while also sparring with your colleagues about your findings. Additionally, the enormous responsibility has taught me to be much more efficient and better able to prioritize tasks based on deadlines, difficulty, and the amount of work required.
 
Has there been anything about your experience of working either in finance in general or at ABGSC in particular that has surprised you?
The most exciting part is the significant responsibility you receive after demonstrating your capabilities. Another great aspect is the close interaction between juniors and partners. During our team meetings, I always have the opportunity to provide input and suggest alternative approaches for better outcomes. Great ideas are valued for their potential to improve the project, regardless of who suggested them.
 
Tell us about your colleagues at ABGSC; what has been your experience of working with them?
My colleagues at ABGSC are incredibly talented and extremely generous in sharing their knowledge. I have experienced this firsthand not only through conversations with my colleagues in Investment Banking but also with those in Equity Research. This supportive environment makes ABGSC an invaluable place to work and learn.
 
What are your ambitions for future studies and/or your future career path?
This fall, I am attending the University of California, Berkeley as part of my exchange studies. I plan to immerse myself in AI studies and hopefully take steps toward the entrepreneurial world, taking advantage of Silicon Valley being nearby. My goal is to absorb as much knowledge as possible at the centre of entrepreneurship and AI innovation.
 
Can you tell us how your internship experience has equipped you to pursue your future studies/future career path?
My internship at ABGSC provides me with a clear insight into a potential future career path and helps bridge the gap between university and first job. Additionally, I believe this experience will significantly enhance my time management skills and ability to prioritize work based on various factors, which will be invaluable for my future studies and career.
 
Can you tell us what appeals to you about a career in the finance industry?
What excites me about a career in the finance industry is its fast-paced environment and the continuous opportunities for learning. The dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the industry means there is always something new for me to learn!