From Strategy to Stocks: Guest Speakers Spark Career Insights

As part of their professional development journey, interns had the opportunity to hear from exceptional guest speakers. Anthony Annan guided interns through the fundamentals of investment banking, each providing a unique lens into high-impact, fast-paced careers. Anthony took the group into the heart of Wall Street. His session on investment banking provided clarity around financial modeling, deal structuring, and the demanding yet rewarding nature of working with capital markets. Interns gained insight into the skills needed to succeed, like attention to detail, market intuition, and resilience, as well as the broader economic impact investment bankers help shape.

Both speakers offered invaluable advice on how to stand out in competitive hiring pools, emphasizing the role of curiosity, preparation, and networking. Their stories and their honesty left interns not only better informed but newly inspired to explore paths that merge challenge with opportunity.

The interns were also given plenty of time to both work on their proposals and presentations, while also being able to spend time talking to their business partners ahead of the big day tomorrow. This time was ig they were prepared for their presentations. 

Finally, the interns had a lecture from Marshall Bailly who discussed Leadership International’s International Internship Program. Through the International Internship Program (IIP), interns research and develop solutions to real-world problems in rural Nigeria, addressing challenges in business, health, and advocacy. Interns are paired with development partners and work in teams through weekly meetings, conducting practical research and assisting with implementation. This hands-on experience builds leadership skills and critical thinking, setting them apart from peers while making a tangible impact on communities. Past projects have included advertising plans, advocacy campaigns, and health curricula, creating lasting community growth.