Berenberg Equity Sales is perfect for those who are naturally curious and thrive in a dynamic, client-facing environment. During my internship, I joined the Specialist Sales team under David Hogg , who I had the privilege to meet during my sales insight week. We started the summer with comprehensive training from Fitch learning, filling any gaps in my knowledge. There were also introductions to the firm and talks from employees from the firm's various divisions: ECM, Corporate Advisory, Wealth and Asset Management, Sales, Trading, and Research. These talks offered meaningful context behind the firm's operations and insight into the available career opportunities.
The structure of the equity sales internship was threefold: A summer-long thematic project, regular pitches, and summary notes and research.
I was allocated flying cars for my thematic project, with full autonomy over pitch structure and content. I researched the concept, limitations, and company ecosystem, developing conviction over the companies operating within the space, including operators, manufacturers, infrastructure, and the supply chain: great fun and an opportunity to think outside the box.
The Specialist sales desk has one or two representatives per sector, so I rotated across the sectors and pitched various companies under coverage. All interns had a 3-minute pitch on a Thursday presented to senior employees, and we received comprehensive, personalised feedback, allowing for measurable development over the internship. I was apprehensive initially as I had only pitched in a University society setting and never to industry professionals. However, I felt increasing confidence in my abilities with each pitch, building on the feedback. The research department provided the resources to deepen equity knowledge, and sales took pride in working with the interns to develop their convictions. Outside of Thursday pitches, I did a further 2/3 pitches weekly across different sectors, from Elevators (Industrials) to ESG, with the Spec representing that sector. This invaluable skill development opportunity broadened my exposure and understanding of the companies under Berenberg's coverage.
One of the most valuable experiences during my summer was the Friday sessions with David Hogg - I would be tasked to research a topic, whether it be cancer drugs or the economy, and have a sit-down conversation over my thoughts. It was also an excellent opportunity to catch up and discuss my progress.
Finally, during the July earnings season, I would sit in on analyst calls and interact with CEOs and CFOs of major companies. My responsibilities included summarising new information and formatting notes suitable for circulation to clients. I also compiled an 'ESG Daily' newsletter; filtering news flow into an easily digestible, relevant morning email.
Outside of desk work, I felt welcomed by the trading floor and had the opportunity to sit-in with various desks outside of sales; highlights being special situations where I learned to price the risk in large mergers or my time with the electronic trading team. Coffee chats across all levels of seniority and Thursday drinks at the Jam Bar further developed a warm working environment. The culture felt entrepreneurial and as though employees were valued and integral to the firm's growth.
It was a brilliant summer on the specialist sales desk, and I am excited to join Berenberg as a graduate!