AY2627 Investment Strategy Institute Internal Internship (Non-Work-Study)

The Investment Strategy Institute (ISI) is responsible for the development, support and supervision of the Student Managed Investment Funds (SMIF), managed by the Duquesne Asset Management Group (DAMG), a Registered Student Organization. The position reports to the Executive Director or the Associate Director of the ISI as indicated, but work may need to be done for both individuals.

Position Parameters

• Recurring summer and combined fall/spring terms of the academic year
• $16.00 per hour
• Flexible work schedule with expected 20 hours per week during summer, 10 hours per week during academic year semesters
• This position may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement based on departmental needs and operational requirements.
• Open only to current Duquesne students who are SMIF members and/or finance majors.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will provide critical research and support for the SMIF to strengthen the strategic focus of the funds, securities research, reporting, mentorship, communications, and outreach to industry professionals. Responsibilities are not limited to the following and are subject to change.  These include helping and assisting ISI leaders’ efforts to:

• Develop long-term strategies to enhance the performance of funds under management
• Improve quarterly Bloomberg-based portfolio analytics and performance evaluation of the funds
• Enhance monthly reporting of fund positions and trading activity
• Ensure data integrity and consistency across reporting platforms
• Improve processes for the financial and valuation criteria in the selection of securities
• Develop a review process of current holdings with sell decision criteria
• Design and document a mentoring framework for freshman/sophomore members of DAMG
• Improve/update ISI/SMIF/DAMG webpages to enhance awareness and attract new members
• Develop and maintain a database of alumni currently in the investment management profession who could support the DAMG as guest speakers and/or potential employers
• Monitor current securities holdings and help guide transactions recommendations made by the DAMG executive leadership team
• Maintain and improve the SMIF Canvas site for better analytical content and reporting
• Provide research and administrative support for emerging priorities

Interns can also expect to work on other projects as identified or assigned by the Executive or Associate Director.  They will also have opportunities to meet alumni and other leaders in the financial services industry.

Required Attributes and Skills

• Strong interest in a career in investment management
• Enthusiasm for the mission of DAMG and SMIF
• Highest level of integrity
• Strong work ethic and ability to collaborate with others
• Able to work collegially with faculty/staff and other students
• A major in Finance or Financial Planning
• Core competency in company financial statement analysis and discounted cash flow models for security valuation
• Competency in basic Bloomberg functions for analyzing equities
• Effective communications, listening, and follow-through skills
• Process oriented and ability to multitask
• Attention to detail and ability to set and meet goals
• Willingness to learn new methods and technologies to support project goals
• Possess a valid driver’s license

Desired Attributes and Skills

• One required or elective course in Finance with a “B” or better
• Bloomberg BMC Certification and experience with Excel templates in Bloomberg
• Successful completion of Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam
• Previous internship or work/study experience

Broad Evaluation and Criteria

• Ability to follow direction from supervisors
• Complete assigned activities in a timely and accurate fashion
• Accuracy in building and maintaining models (discounted cash flow, proforma financial statements, etc.) in Excel and Bloomberg
• Ability to communicate clearly on tasks completed and progress on ongoing projects
• Writing clarity: ability to produce concise memos focused on conclusions and recommendations
• Effectiveness in breaking down tasks or projects into workable parts
• Ability to learn new job-relevant skills needed to complete tasks
• Quality of suggestions to improve current work flow processes relating to new stock pitches at SMIF meetings
• Quality of analytical thinking in questioning and revising current methods of reporting, securities analysis, and presentation of stock ideas
• Proficiency in using AI to enhance productivity in the research process and other tasks

To Apply: 

Expressions of interest will require a cover letter, current resume, and at least one personal and academic reference.

The cover letter should include why students are interested in the ISI internship and how they would apply their academic and work background to the duties and responsibilities of the ISI internship position. If possible, students should provide an example of analytical work in investments or finance, such as a stock pitch, a class project analyzing a company or industry, or a research paper based on investment data. Finally, students should explain how this internship would advance your academic and career goals.

Resumes should be one page, highlighting major and minor (if any), GPA, relevant coursework in financial accounting, corporate finance, investments, statistics, and data analytics, as applicable. Students should include their level of proficiency in Excel, Python, Bloomberg, and PowerPoint. Membership or leadership in investment clubs, finance or other academic societies that contribute to professional and communications skills should also be included. Finally, students should include any job experience during summers or the academic year, including but not limited to internships and work/study programs, that may be relevant.

Interested students should email their cover letter, resume and references to John Niedenberger, Executive Director of the Investment Strategy Institute at:

niedenbergerj@duq.edu