“What I like most about ABGSC is that it has a very good culture where everyone helps each other, which means you learn a lot”: Interview with Philippa Arfalk, Investment Banking intern

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am in my first year of a Master’s programme in Financial Management and Accounting at Uppsala University. During my studies, I have worked part-time at KPMG as an audit associate and have done an internship in corporate finance at a smaller company. I have also been part of Uppsala Ekonomernas Asset Management, where I did equity research. In my spare time I enjoy being with friends, cooking and travelling.
 
What made you choose an internship in investment banking at ABGSC?
I decided to do an internship in investment banking at ABGSC because I had heard very good things about the company, and I thought it would be fun to be part of a team where your work is very project-based and where the pace is very fast.
 
Can you tell us about your experience so far?
I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of responsibility I was given in the first few weeks and the projects I was involved in, which gave me a very good insight into how investment banking works. I have learnt a lot. My tasks have varied a lot and I have been able to gain insight into different types of companies and industries. My day-to-day tasks have also been varied; they have included everything from creating slides in PowerPoint to creating valuation documents in Excel.
 
What have you enjoyed the most so far?
What I like most about ABGSC is that it has a very good culture where everyone helps each other, which means you learn a lot. I think the most enjoyable aspects of the job are that you get involved in live projects and you are constantly learning.
 
Has there been anything about your experience of working either in finance in general or at ABGSC in particular that has surprised you?
What has surprised me a bit about the industry is that the work you do is very creative in its own way; there is a lot of creation of PowerPoint slides and other materials which is very fun.
 
Tell us about your colleagues at ABGSC; what has been your experience of working with them?
From day one, I have had a very good impression of my colleagues at ABGSC. Everyone is very nice and helpful and the firm has a very open and friendly culture. I appreciate that everyone takes the time to help. It is a very enriching and inspiring culture to be a part of.
 
What are your ambitions for future studies and/or your future career path?
When I finish my studies in a year’s time, my goal is to do further work in investment banking, which I have a strong interest in thanks to my internship.
 
Can you tell us how your internship experience has equipped you to pursue your future studies/future career path?
My internship at ABGSC has taught me a lot; the main thing I will take with me into my future studies is the accuracy, curiosity, and discipline that a job like this gives you. I will hopefully continue to do a lot of Excel and Powerpoint work to keep learning.
 
Can you tell us what appeals to you about a career in the finance industry?
What appeals to me about a career in finance is that you can use both your analytical and your social skills. It’s an industry where you work at a fast pace and are surrounded by people who are very talented and passionate about their work, which I find very inspiring. I also think it’s great fun to work with so many different sectors and industries, and as a junior you get the chance to take advantage of that and learn as much as possible.