In this latest edition of our Intern Spotlight Q&A series, we're pleased to highlight Verger's fall 2024 interns. We hope you enjoy learning about Griffin, Sydney, and Justin, and what they are taking away from their experiences.
Meet The Interns
Griffin is a senior at Wake Forest University majoring in finance. His introduction to asset management began in the summer of 2022 at Yorkville Advisors, a Northern New Jersey Hedge Fund. Since then, he has held several asset management and investing internships while pursuing his studies at Wake Forest. In his free time, Griffin enjoys playing chess, watching the Yankees, NY Giants, the Demon Deacons, and spending time with friends.
Sydney is a sophomore at Salem College from Apex, North Carolina, majoring in business administration with a minor in political science. She is actively involved on campus by serving on the Student Government Association (SGA) and working for the Salem College Information Technology Department as an IT Helpdesk Associate. As a member of the prestigious Salem Scholars program, she chose Salem for its focus on academic excellence. Sydney attributes her interest in finance to her aunt, Beth Halsey, and her mentor, Cathy Pace, who have both inspired her personally and professionally.
Outside of academics, Sydney enjoys playing with her puppy Willow, traveling, shopping, and trying out new restaurants around Winston-Salem. Looking ahead, she is particularly interested in exploring the opportunity to study law with a focus on business.
Justin is a senior at Wake Forest University majoring in mathematical business, combining studies in statistics, accounting, finance, computer science, and business enterprise management. His journey in finance began with the Private Client Group at Janney Montgomery Scott after his sophomore year, where he learned about financial advising and portfolio construction. He later interned at O'Shaughnessy Asset Management, working with their algorithm-based Direct Indexing tool "Canvas."
Outside of academics, Justin stays active through biking, hiking, running, and playing basketball. He has completed several Tough Mudder races with his brother and father, embracing both physical and mental challenges. A passionate Baltimore Ravens fan, Justin also enjoys competitive chess matches and spending time with friends and family before graduation.
Q&A With Our Interns
What was your favorite project you worked on?
Sydney:
One of my favorite projects was working on the Weekly Recap for the investment team. I enjoyed researching different types of financial statistics from the previous market close such as Equities, Commodities, and Rates. Compiling relevant graphs, charts, and news articles allowed me to become more educated about today's financial world. Although this was a group project with my internship colleagues Griffin and Justin, I found it especially rewarding to analyze the financial market and compare it to previous weeks.
Justin:
The Intern Capstone Project was my highlight. Our team was tasked with analyzing a list of mutual funds in an asset class of interest to the Investment Team. Through quantitative analysis in eVestment and qualitative research through manager meetings, we ultimately pitched our chosen fund to the team. It was rewarding to apply classroom knowledge to real-world investment decisions.
Griffin:
The Capstone project was also my favorite because I got to develop an in-depth understanding of Verger's investment due diligence process. There are many things I learned throughout that process that I will definitely take with me when I leave.
What have you learned about workplace culture that you will take to your next experience or have found most valuable?
Sydney:
Through my internship with Verger, I learned that workplace culture strongly dictates the quality of work as well as team morale. When entering the office, I was often greeted by various team members, including CEO Jim Dunn, which made me feel valued and part of the team. On the investment trade floor, everyone was willing to answer questions and easily accessible. The Verger environment is supportive, understanding, and has a collaborative culture that builds a trustworthy community.
Griffin:
Working at Verger has highlighted the value of a strong company culture in choosing where to build a career. Verger sets a high standard by creating an environment filled with learning and networking opportunities, while also allowing you to grow at your own pace and in your own way. This approach ensures you are not overwhelmed but are encouraged to develop confidently and hone a skillset that makes you valuable to the team.
What was the most interesting thing you learned during your internship?
Justin:
I learned so much about the research process and what goes into making an investment. Through sitting in many meetings with managers, listening to their research process, and getting exposure to Verger’s research process, my views changed. As an analytically minded person, I tended to want to focus solely on the returns and the statistics. While this is clearly important, I learned that it is much more of a well-rounded process. Having knowledge of worldwide events and trends, the macroeconomic consequences that come with that, and many of the other market-related qualitative factors all need to be factored into the final decision.
What part of Endowment and Foundation asset management did you find most compelling?
Griffin:
Verger's mission and motto "Investing in the Lives of Others" is what I find most compelling about their business model, industry, and team. I think the phrase does a great job of encapsulating not only the mission of Verger but also the broader purpose of endowment and foundation asset management. It highlights how investing, often associated with a profit-driven narrative, can instead be a force for meaningful change.
Thank you Griffin, Sydney, and Justin for your many contributions!
For more information about Verger's Internship Program, including how to apply, please visit our Careers page.