London, 18 October 2024
This summer, we hosted our second social mobility targeted internship for four university students who are alumni members of The Sutton Trust. One of our interns, Murray, tells us about his experience.
Why did an internship at Arcus appeal to you?
I was initially drawn to the summer internship at Arcus due to their focus on investment in renewable energy and infrastructure. With my background in renewable energy and a keen interest in the tangible impacts of infrastructure, this internship seemed like an ideal opportunity for professional development. The chance to learn about diligent financial analysis and explore significant investment opportunities was something I couldn’t miss out on!
How have you found your experience at Arcus?
My time at Arcus has been thoroughly rewarding. Immersing myself in the private equity industry and the energy infrastructure sector has significantly improved both my technical and soft skills. This growth has been fuelled by the continual support and extensive knowledge shared by all the professionals at Arcus, for which I am extremely grateful.
What responsibilities did you have during your internship?
During my six-week internship, I gained valuable exposure to Arcus’ investment process. I engaged in the origination processes, critically analysed prospective investments, and considered market conditions and Arcus’ investment criteria. I honed my technical skills by analysing financial statements, formatting PowerPoints, and Excel documents, and creating databases to assess the suitability of our debt advisors and lenders for future investments.
What was the most significant thing you learned/experience you had during your internship?
The most significant thing I learned at Arcus was how to conduct accurate valuations and perform financial forecasts. This exercise, while quantitative, required a strong understanding of market conditions, company performance, and the macro-economy. Developing analytical thinking in this aspect will greatly benefit me in the future, and I am grateful for the excellent guidance and support I received.
What did you find interesting about the Arcus sector team that you were involved with?
Within the energy team, I looked at an asset called a ‘Synchronous Condenser’ and found it particularly interesting. This asset stabilises the frequency along the national grid, requiring a unique investment perspective influenced by regulation and global affairs. Learning about the technology behind these investments piqued my intellectual curiosity, making the internship a valuable educational experience in both finance and technology.
Are there any other growth areas you’re interested in?
I am particularly interested in the growing industry of smart meters. Arcus’ investments in smart meters, aimed at tackling climate change through improved energy efficiency, fascinate me. I am eager to see how this industry evolves with increasing urbanisation and AI innovations, which will make smart meters more intelligent and efficient.
What are you looking to do next?
After this internship, I am confident in my desire to pursue a career in the financial industry, especially within private equity. Analysing companies from an asset management perspective and actively adding value was one of the most enjoyable parts of the internship. The experience at Arcus has been extremely beneficial for my personal and professional development, and I am profoundly thankful for the continual support and guidance from everyone at Arcus.
