In this latest edition of our Intern Spotlight Q&A series, we're pleased to highlight Verger's summer 2024 interns. We hope you enjoy learning about Jack, Brady, Julia, and Virginia, what brought them to Verger, and what they're taking away from their experiences.
Meet The Interns
Jack is a rising senior from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, majoring in accounting with a minor in entrepreneurship at Wake Forest University. He is actively involved on campus, including being a member of a fraternity and co-founder for Storage Scholars, a student moving company. Outside of academics, Jack enjoys playing basketball with his two younger brothers, going wakeboarding, and discovering new dining spots in Winston-Salem. He is especially excited for his final year, as his younger brother will be joining him at Wake Forest for his freshman year.
Brady, a Massachusetts native, is a rising sophomore at Bentley University where he’s exploring business majors, with a strong interest in finance and a minor in accounting. This summer, he gained valuable experience through an internship with Verger, which allowed him to obtain useful insight as he considers his academic and career aspirations. Besides his academic pursuits, Brady is excited to return for his second year as a student-athlete, pitching for Bentley’s baseball team.
Julia is a rising junior from Naples, Florida, majoring in business marketing at The University of Mississippi. As a freshman, she became actively involved with the Delta Gamma sorority, contributing to their philanthropy, Service for Sight, which supports training guide dogs for the visually impaired. Julia has a passion for sports, particularly soccer and lacrosse, and chose Ole Miss for its strong athletics and vibrant school spirit. In her free time, she loves spending time with friends and family, going to the beach, and playing pickleball.
Virginia is a rising senior at Yale University, majoring in Ethics, Politics, and Economics, and pursing a certificate in Statistics and Data Science. She is involved in the arts as a performer with the Yale Ballet Company and the Yale Dance Lab. In her free time, Virginia enjoys reading, painting, hosting movie nights, and participating in her Christian fellowship where she organizes events and leads small groups. Looking ahead, she is particularly interested in exploring the intersection of the financial and nonprofit sectors, which led her to discover Verger this summer.
How has your view of asset management changed?
Brady:
Entering this summer, I was new to asset management but eager to learn. Working with the investment team at Verger gave me valuable insights into the field. Early on, I attended a webinar hosted by an investment fund manager that invests in major sports organizations and leagues. Comparing their approach to others in the industry was incredibly insightful. I discovered that my passion for sports could align with my growing interest in asset management.
Jack:
I discovered that asset management is far more comprehensive than I initially thought. I had imagined it was mostly about monitoring portfolios and making allocations. What really stood out to me was how hands-on Verger is with each client. They offer full-service support, including board meetings, advisory calls, newsletters, and community service projects. Their commitment to fully engaging with each client was truly impressive.
What part of Endowment and Foundation asset management did you find most compelling?
Jack:
For me, finding a deeper purpose in my work was incredibly motivating. At Verger, I saw firsthand how stewarding endowments impacts thousands of communities across the country. It was inspiring to witness their commitment to providing solutions that support institutions for generations, rather than simply chasing short-term returns. Learning about the responsibility of protecting funds that will benefit future generations was eye-opening, and I’m eager to continue exploring this field throughout my career.
Virginia:
The most compelling aspect for me was the chance to support missions that go beyond just financial returns. In Endowment and Foundation asset management, aligning investment strategies with the specific needs and missions of nonprofit organizations is crucial and incredibly interesting to explore and navigate. One of the highlights of my internship was participating in manager calls, where I had the opportunity to interact one-on-one with various types of investment firms. These interactions highlighted the interpersonal side of asset management, where engaging with different firms was key to learning and evaluating investment decisions, in addition to quantitative analysis.
What was your favorite project you worked on?
Julia:
One of my favorite projects was creating the LinkedIn Analytics presentation for Verger. I loved researching their LinkedIn page to see how different types of posts resonated with their audience. It was fascinating to get a behind-the-scenes look at their interactions and what aligns with their constituents. After gathering all the insights, I put together a presentation that not only shared these findings but also suggested fresh, creative ways for the company to connect more effectively with their audience.
What have you learned about workplace culture that you will take to your next experience or have found most valuable?
Virginia:
I’ve learned that a warm, encouraging, and collaborative culture not only helps employees feel respected and valued but also drives positive results. When team members feel comfortable asking questions, making suggestions, and communicating openly, it creates an environment where innovation and productivity thrive. Verger’s mission-driven, close-knit community exemplified this, and it’s the kind of workplace culture I hope to find and help cultivate in my future endeavors.
What skill(s) did you learn at Verger that you are most excited to apply to future opportunities?
Julia:
I learned that communication is truly the heart of a successful environment. I felt incredibly grateful to work with Inge, whose inspiring ideas and clear expectations for each assignment made a huge difference. Whenever I had a question or needed guidance, she was always quick to respond with kindness and support, helping me bring those ideas to life. Without clear communication, our collaboration might not have been as effective. Mastering this skill has been a valuable lesson, and I know it will positively impact all areas of my life, both professionally and personally.
What are you up to next?
Brady:
I am looking forward to my upcoming sophomore year at Bentley and exploring new academic courses. With access to an on-campus trading room, I’ll be able to build on the skills that I gained during my summer internship. I also plan to join the Bentley Sustainable Investment Group, where I can gain hands-on experience and deepen my passion for business. Additionally, I’m looking forward to my second season playing college baseball and the memories I’ll create on the mound.
Thank you Jack, Brady, Julia, and Virginia for your many contributions!
For more information about Verger's Internship Program, including how to apply, please visit our Careers page.