Today marks National Intern Day, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the positive impact of internships on young people’s lives.
NorthEdge has always been proud to participate in the 10,000 Black Interns Programme, having supported the initiative since its launch in 2020. This year, we welcomed Marian Wegbe to join us for a six-week internship.
To highlight National Intern Day and Marian’s six-week internship, she has written about her experience, sharing what she has learned during her time with NorthEdge.
A word from Marian
I always knew that getting an internship was important. It helps you build connections, gain real experience in your area of interest, and develop a more competitive CV. I signed up to the 10,000 Black Interns initiative because I wanted that opportunity, and I felt hopeful that, since the programme is specifically for Black students, it might increase my chances compared to other initiatives that do not have the same focus.
I study Chemical Engineering, and because of how demanding the course is, it can be difficult to make time to explore interests outside my field. However, I have always been curious about investments, finance, business and entrepreneurship. Alongside applying for engineering internships, I also applied for roles in these areas. One of the companies I heard back from was NorthEdge. At the time, I did not know much about private equity, but I did my research and found it genuinely interesting. While there was clearly a financial and accounting side to the work, much of it also involved working directly with businesses and people, which really appealed to me.
From the internship, I wanted to learn as much as I could about private equity. I was especially interested in how NorthEdge operates and what makes them successful, particularly as a relatively young and smaller firm. The idea of working in fundraising or organisational strategy excited me, and I could see how those roles matched my personality more closely.
As I learned more about people’s roles within the firm, I realised how much variety exists. One of my favourite discoveries was learning that Andy Ball, one of the Founding Partners at NorthEdge, studied engineering. I also had the privilege of working with Investment Manager, Serafina Di Felice, who studied Chemical Engineering like me. Seeing how far she had progressed in private equity gave me real hope. She helped me to understand that my degree develops transferable skills in structured analysis, attention to detail, and systems thinking, all of which are very valuable in this field. It showed me that the leap between engineering and private equity is not as far as it may initially seem.
Meeting people like Partner, Lucie, who took an unconventional route into her role, was also incredibly inspiring. It meant a lot to see that not everyone followed the same path. I am someone who is passionate about forging my own way in life, and this internship helped me realise that doing so is not only valid but often necessary. Without this experience, I do not think I would have gained that awareness or confidence.
The internship truly surpassed my expectations. From the very beginning I felt included, whether I was asking questions during research, seeking clarification in meetings, or simply getting to know the team, everyone was approachable, kind and supportive. I also enjoyed sitting in on board meetings, observing the dynamics between team members, and seeing how difficult conversations were handled thoughtfully and respectfully.
I am especially grateful to have worked in an environment where people are genuinely placed at the centre of every decision. Learning about NorthEdge’s roots was particularly meaningful. The partners who started the firm had previously worked in large firms and saw the possibility of creating a different kind of private equity company. Throughout my time here, I saw and felt how those values shaped everything NorthEdge does. They are not just part of a mission statement; they are reflected in the culture, the people and the way they operate.
Another highlight was completing a professional Insights Discovery personal profile. It taught me so much about myself, not only in terms of my strengths but also in understanding my weaknesses. More importantly, it provided practical strategies for improving how I work and communicate.
As I became more involved in the work, I began to understand what really matters when assessing or supporting a company. It is not about trying to memorise everything they do. Instead, it is about stepping back and asking key questions: what is their business model? What are they trying to achieve? Who is their target audience? And most importantly, who is in the leadership team? I also learned that even when a company is doing everything right, external market conditions can still create challenges; understanding the wider economic context is therefore essential.
I developed a deep respect for how NorthEdge collaborates with its portfolio companies, with honesty, partnership and care, while still holding high expectations. Observing how conversations unfolded helped me see the value of strong communication. It was powerful to witness how the team stood firm while remaining calm and respectful. I saw how important it is to speak to people with clarity and confidence, especially when difficult messages need to be delivered. It is not about avoiding tension, but about communicating with integrity. Being surrounded by people with very different personalities helped me let go of the fear I used to feel around those who operated differently from me. Rather than trying to avoid those differences, I have begun learning how to engage with them. It is possible to stay grounded in your authenticity while still saying what needs to be said.
One of the most valuable things I will take from this experience is the confidence to work well in group settings, even when I do not feel like the expert in the room. I have become better at handling large amounts of information and learning how to communicate key insights clearly. The Insights profile gave me a new level of self-awareness, especially around how I relate to people with different working styles. That kind of shift has made a lasting impact on how I approach both my studies and my sense of self.
My career aspirations have definitely broadened. I now understand that many people enter private equity later in their careers, and that has helped me release the pressure to have everything figured out straight away. I am now more open to exploring related fields like corporate finance or accountancy as potential starting points. Speaking with people at NorthEdge was very reassuring. I learned that career journeys are not linear. Some people had done apprenticeships, others had worked in the same company for years before moving on, and some had taken longer routes or switched directions multiple times. This helped me realise that building a career is not just about reaching a goal; it is also about creating a life that aligns with your values.
To anyone considering applying to the 10,000 Black Interns initiative in the future, I would say go for it. Invest in the process. Yes, it requires time and effort, and you will have to balance it with your studies, but it is more than worth it. Internships like this do not just strengthen your CV; they also help you grow as a person. You might find yourself entering a field you never imagined, and that kind of surprise can be transformative. Be open to applying for roles outside your degree but take the time to research them. Understand how your skills can translate into different sectors, and trust that your curiosity and adaptability are strengths. Most importantly, enjoy the process. I was nervous about the interview stage, but my experience with NorthEdge completely changed my perspective. My second interview was my favourite. Even though it was technically an interview, it felt like a genuine conversation between two people exploring different ideas and ways of thinking. That interaction made me feel seen, not just assessed.
Overall, this internship has been a fantastic experience. I am grateful to have learned so much about private equity and the professional world in general, especially in such a short space of time. I feel inspired, not just by the knowledge I have gained, but by the people I have met. People who are incredibly skilled at what they do and genuinely committed to making a positive impact. There is something special about seeing a firm not only succeed but also help make the regions of the UK a better place. Beyond all of that, it was also a really fun and enjoyable place to work.