With the rise of ESG investing, impact investing has become a hot area in finance. Major banks, asset managers and consulting firms are all racing to build their impact investing teams. This creates many opportunities for international students looking to break into finance. By taking on roles like impact investing associate, students can gain valuable experience and advance their careers. To successfully land an impact investing associate position, there are certain skills and experiences students should develop. Gaining language skills, financial modeling capabilities and impact measurement knowledge will make candidates stand out. Students should also look for internships and network with professionals at firms with strong impact investing practices.
Language skills are essential for impact investing associate roles
Most major banks and asset managers operate globally, so fluency in English is usually required for impact investing roles. Candidates who speak additional languages like Mandarin may have a leg up, especially for firms focused on Asia markets. Written and verbal communication abilities are vital too. Impact investing associates synthesize complex data into presentations, write investment proposals and interact with high-level clients. Honing language skills inside and outside the classroom will better position students.
Financial modeling and analysis capabilities are valued
Impact investing teams conduct in-depth financial analysis on potential investments and portfolios. Associates build models to assess risk, returns, environmental and social impact. Candidates with finance, economics or STEM backgrounds tend to do well here. Taking courses in valuation, portfolio management and data analysis will build critical hard skills. Gaining modeling experience via internships or projects is also helpful.
Measuring impact is central to the role
A key part of an associate’s role is quantifying the environmental and societal impact of investments. They use frameworks like IRIS to track indicators tied to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Coursework in impact measurement and ESG data analysis is useful preparation. Hands-on experience with impact metrics at nonprofits and social enterprises also strengthens one’s candidacy.
Relevant internships provide a foot in the door
Securing a summer internship in impact investing, ESG research or sustainable finance can dramatically improve one’s prospects. Internships give students practical work experience and networking opportunities. Leading banks, asset managers and consultancies are building their impact investing internship programs. Proactively applying for these roles and tapping campus career resources can help students land prime opportunities.
Gaining language, technical and impact measurement skills will position students for success in landing impact investing associate roles. Relevant internship experience provides the hands-on preparation and professional network needed to break into the field. Students should research firms with robust impact investing practices and actively apply for open positions and internships.