Black History Month is celebrated annually in the UK every October as an opportunity to draw attention to the achievements and contributions that Black people have and continue to make to society.
This year, we’re sharing how we support underrepresented groups within the Black community and highlighting the need for diversity, equity and inclusion within the industry.
Earlier this year we welcomed Charles Kaunda for a six-week internship through the 10,000 Black Interns programme – an initiative we’re proud to have participated in since its inception in 2020.
Read on to find out more about his experience during the six weeks, sharing what he has learned during the initiative; his aspirations for working in private equity in the future and motivations to advocate for more inclusive practices within the industry.
A word from Charles
Private Equity has always fascinated me. While living in Kenya, I stumbled upon it in one of my investment club sessions where we learnt about alternative investments. This willed my desire to understand more about the industry and potentially work in it. Little did I know that my wish would soon be granted as I moved to the UK to pursue my master’s degree in Finance, and was subsequently accepted to start an internship at NorthEdge through the 10,000 Black Interns programme.
I’d signed up for the 10,000 Black Interns programme because it offered a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the financial sector, specifically within private equity. The initiative’s mission to create opportunities for Black students resonated with me, and I wanted to be a part of a program that offered professional growth and also contributed to improving diversity within industries where representation is often lacking. The prospect of working with a private equity firm like NorthEdge was particularly appealing, as I knew it would provide me with insights into an industry that I was eager to explore further.
My primary goal for the internship was to gain practical experience in private equity, an area of finance that I had been curious about but had limited exposure to. I wanted to understand the day-to-day operations of a private equity firm, including deal sourcing, due diligence, financial analysis, and portfolio management. Additionally, I aimed to build my professional network, develop my analytical skills, and gain a clearer understanding of how theoretical knowledge from my university studies would apply to real-world financial decision-making.
The internship not only lived up to my expectations but surpassed them in several ways. The team at NorthEdge provided me with a comprehensive learning experience, allowing me to be involved in meaningful tasks that directly contributed to ongoing projects. I had the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals who were generous with their time and knowledge, offering mentorship and guidance that significantly enriched my learning experience. The exposure to the different facets of private equity, from due diligence to portfolio management, was far beyond what I anticipated, making the experience highly rewarding!
The skills and knowledge I gained during my internship will undoubtedly influence my approach to university studies and future career. The practical experience has deepened my understanding of financial concepts, particularly in areas like valuation and market analysis, which I can now relate to real-world applications. I also developed important soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and time management, which are crucial for success in any professional environment. Moving forward, I will leverage these insights to enhance my academic performance and remain focused on my career aspirations within finance.
This internship solidified my interest in pursuing a career in finance, specifically within private equity. While I had an interest in finance before the internship, the experience at NorthEdge gave me a clearer direction and confirmed that private equity is the area I want to specialise in. The dynamic nature of the work, coupled with the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of portfolio businesses, has made me more passionate about this career path. It also opened my eyes to the importance of diversity in finance and has motivated me to advocate for inclusive practices within the industry.
To anyone considering participating in the 10,000 Black Interns programme, I would wholeheartedly recommend it. The initiative provides unparalleled opportunities for Black students to gain exposure to industries where they are underrepresented. The experience is about gaining valuable insights, building a professional network, and developing skills that will serve you well in your future career. If you are eager to learn, willing to challenge yourself, and passionate about making a difference, this initiative will open doors for you and significantly impact your personal and professional growth.