With plans to study Economics at Lancaster University, A-Level Student, Rory Donegan, recently spent a week in our Douglas office working with our Investment team. He now tells us more about his experience:

I recently undertook a week of work experience at Capital International in the Isle of Man. During the time I spent in the company’s Douglas office, I worked predominantly with the investment department, helping them to analyse the potential of some British utility holdings.  

I have just finished my A-Levels at Ballakermeen but didn’t sit any exams this year because of the pandemic. Regardless, my two years studying Politics, Economics and Business Studies in sixth form proved very useful during my week with the investment team. We spent a lot of time working through stock market data and comparing the financial records of the companies that I was asked to make a verdict on.  

The team gave me access to the Bloomberg terminals (which I was already familiar with) and an introduction to the Thompson Reuters (now Refinitiv) databases to help me with my decision-making. On day three, I was tasked with presenting my research and financial analysis to the Investment Management team who seemed to find it useful. Before coming to Capital, I didn’t have any real expectations; I was just looking for an insight into how investment management teams coordinate, even when their main responsibilities are split between commodities, funds and direct equity. It was a very interesting week, and I am grateful to Capital for allowing me to join them. On the last day, I spent time in the dealing room where I learnt how trade requests from clients are processed. This seemed to be a very fast-paced environment, and it was interesting to see how this side of the business works.  

Overall I learnt a great deal, not only about how to analyse an industry’s equity performance and compare potential holdings within the sector, but also how to present my findings and work as part of a team. The investment team were very enthusiastic about what they do and were very kind to me during my time with them.

‍Disclaimer: The views, thoughts and opinions expressed within this article are those of the author, and not those of any company within the Capital International Group (CIG) and as such are neither given nor endorsed by CIG. Information in this article does not constitute investment advice or an offer or an invitation by or on behalf of any company within the Capital International Group of companies to buy or sell any product or security.