Impact investing has become an increasingly popular field for young professionals looking to combine profit with purpose. As a form of investments made into companies, organizations, and funds with the intention of generating positive environmental and social impact alongside financial return, impact investing presents unique and meaningful internship opportunities for students. This article will provide key information and conclusions on how to best position yourself to land highly coveted internships in impact investing.
Leverage coursework and activities related to impact investing
Students interested in impact investing should proactively seek out relevant coursework, trainings, and extracurricular activities that allow them to demonstrate interest and develop baseline knowledge in this emerging field. This can involve taking classes in areas like sustainable business, social entrepreneurship, impact measurement, ESG investing, microfinance, etc. Active participation in net impact groups, sustainability clubs, social enterprise competitions and impact investing workshops or hackathons also signals passion. These efforts help students speak intelligently about the industry when networking and interviewing.
Understand the impact investing landscape
Before applying, students should dedicate time to broadly researching the impact investing industry – major players across asset classes, innovative deal structures, policy trends, etc. This equips students to thoughtfully discuss current developments when engaging with professionals. It also allows students to pinpoint areas of particular interest. With this context, students can tailor their internship search, zeroing in on firms and roles that best fit their goals.
Leverage alumni and industry connections
Networking is critical when seeking competitive impact investing internships. Students should identify and connect with alumni in the field. Career centers and alumni associations often provide search tools and networking events to aid this effort. Students should also utilize conferences, local meetups and informational interviews to expand their professional network. These contacts can provide critical application tips, inside opportunities and referrals.
Highlight transferrable experiences and skills
Since impact investing internships are limited, candidates from all backgrounds compete. Those with finance experience have an edge given the use of financial structuring. However, students from other areas should emphasize transferable skills – research, data analysis, stakeholder management, communications and more. Creativity in identifying relevant experience is key.
Demonstrate passion for impact
Ultimately, securing an internship comes down to fit and enthusiasm for positive impact. Students should express genuine excitement to contribute to solutions on social or environmental issues. Conveying why they care through stories of past involvement makes candidates compelling and memorable. Disciplined preparation paired with authentic passion open doors to high impact internship opportunities.
Gaining an internship in the growing field of impact investing requires strategy and effort. By proactively developing relevant experience through coursework, activities and projects, understanding the landscape, networking extensively, highlighting transferable skills and demonstrating authentic impact passion, students can overcome competition and position themselves to land equity researchinternships enabling them to drive change.