Zhang Jiang, WH ’25, Wesley Chapel, FL
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at a private equity firm in the heart of Boise, Idaho, embarking on an exciting journey in an unlikely place that not only deepened my understanding of the financial world but also gave me the opportunity to pursue my own personal development such as cooking. Over the course of eight weeks, I was immersed in a dynamic office environment, engaging in activities that broadened my horizons and honed my skills.
One of the highlights of my internship was the chance to present to senior partners on our last week. The responsibility to convey my ideas and findings to experienced professionals pushed me beyond my comfort zone. But with the support and guidance of my colleagues, I came out more comfortable with speaking about my work.
Another valuable aspect of my internship was conducting due diligence on target acquisitions to create add-on value for portfolio companies. This hands-on experience allowed me to witness the meticulous process of evaluating potential investments and understanding how these decisions impact businesses’ growth and success.
However, it wasn’t all work. The firm recognized the importance of a positive work culture, and we had intern events that were great to build connections with people outside the office. From delightful dinners with managers to thrilling outings like Top Golf and tubing down the Boise river, activities that I would never have known in the past.
During the internship, I had the chance to explore my hobbies outside of work, namely cooking and setting a consistent work-out schedule. It felt empowering and therapeutic to have control over my diet and try out new healthy dishes with whatever ingredients are available. Learning to work with what I have became a key life skill that I know will benefit me in the future. Furthermore, I organized an intern dinner for our last week, where I prepared BBQ ribs and mashed olive oil potatoes. I feel more confident and healthier about my own abilities after the summer.
Looking back, this internship has been a transformative journey. I’ve not only acquired new skills and expanded my knowledge in private equity, but I’ve also grown as an individual. The experiences I had in Boise will undoubtedly shape my future career decisions, and I am eager to apply the lessons learned to my future endeavors.
I want to extend my gratitude to the firm for offering me this enriching opportunity. My appreciation also goes to Career Services, whose support made this experience possible. As I move forward in my academic and professional journey, I carry with me the memories and lessons from this internship, forever grateful for the doors it opened and the person it helped me become.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2023 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here.
