Q&A

Student spotlight: Nathan Yuan

Meet Nathan Yuan, one of the winning team members from our 2023 Investment Competition. As his prize, Nathan chose an internship with TCorp, and he shares his experience and insights from the investment competition and internship opportunity.

Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Nathan and I’m currently studying a double degree in Actuarial Studies and Commerce at UNSW, majoring in Finance. I’m 20 years-old, born in Sydney and live down south. Outside of work and university, I’m an avid football fan and supporter of premier league side Chelsea FC.

How did you hear about Future IM/Pact?

I first heard about Future IM/Pact through the 2023 Investment Competition and it’s collaboration with UNIT. I’ve been regularly involved with the platform since.

What do you find most valuable about the program?

Future IM/Pact has been incredibly valuable to me as a student aiming to break into the finance industry. The program has provided me with endless opportunities to expand my network and connect with professionals in the field. Students also receive consistent updates on new opportunities in the industry as well as resources we can use to upskill our technical ability.

What interests you about a career in investment management?

The fast-paced environment of finance, where markets are constantly changing, has always fascinated me. The dynamic nature of the field, with new information continually affecting decision-making, keeps it perpetually interesting and challenging. A career in investment management offers the unique opportunity to make a significant impact on businesses and the economy – you play a crucial role in deciding where funds are allocated, driving innovation and propelling the world forward.

Although I have considered this career path before my involvement with Future IM/Pact, my interest has only grown since.

Tell us about your experience participating in the Investment Competition

Taking on TDM Growth Partner’s Duolingo case, it was incredibly rewarding to see our hard work over the two weeks’ pay off. Competing with some of the best students in Australia and gaining insights into their perspectives and ideas was immensely valuable. This experience not only enhanced my analytical skills but also developed my commercial thinking within the investments space.

Is there anything you’d do differently? Any advice for this year’s participants?

Honestly the only thing I’d do differently is to avoid leaving the submission until the last minute. My advice for this year’s participants is to join a team that is supportive and motivated. Going into the competition with such a team dynamic can significantly enhance the overall experience, and was definitely one of the driving factors towards our win.

During my TCorp internship, I appreciated the responsibility entrusted to me and the inclusive culture of the team, which made integrating into the workplace seamless and made me feel like a full-time employee rather than just an intern.

Tell us about your internship with TCorp

I chose to intern at TCorp as an analyst in the real assets and private markets team. I started the role in January 2024 and though originally set to conclude in May, I enjoyed my time at TCorp so much that I was able to extend my internship duration until the end of July. I selected this internship for the opportunity to delve into a highly technical and unique asset class, with the added benefit of rotating across the infrastructure and real estate teams.

Throughout my time at TCorp, I have been involved in the investment evaluation process as well as internal projects, such as developing an asset register and preparing analysis on sector thematics.

Is this your first internship/role at an investment management firm?

This is my first internship at an investment management firm. I previously interned at Origin Capital and will intern at Record Point this winter, both investment banking.

What did you enjoy most about your internship?

I really enjoyed the exposure to different areas of the industry and the opportunity to engage in meaningful work. Within a week of starting, I was given the opportunity to assess an energy transition thematic where I was able to directly converse with C-suite members of the potential investment. Additionally, I was able to get out of the office and go on site visits to our assets where we toured office, industrial and retail sites.

I appreciated the responsibility entrusted to me and the inclusive culture of the team, which made integrating into the workplace seamless and made me feel like a full-time employee rather than just an intern. The biggest takeaway from my internship is the importance of learning as much as possible; every task and interaction offered something valuable to take away.

Did you meet any mentors/role models?

I was fortunate to work with many knowledgeable individuals whom I consider mentors and role models in the industry, particularly my manager Nish and buddy Dan. Every interaction was a learning experience, and it was incredibly inspiring to gain their insights, whether finance-related or not. I can definitely see a clear pathway into this career and the mentorship I received from everyone at TCorp has provided me with a strong roadmap for my career development.

Here’s what Nathan’s manager Nishita had to say about his contribution to the team:

“Nathan has been a great addition to the team. He is curious, keen to learn and has already made good relationships with all the stakeholders he has worked with.” Nishita Merchant, Manager, Real Assets, TCorp

What will you do over the next few years to better position yourself for an investing career?

I plan to stay in touch with the people I’ve worked with at TCorp, maintaining and strengthening these valuable professional connections. I will be proactive in my learning, seeking out new opportunities to develop skills that are unique and valuable in various contexts. Staying up to date with market trends and economic developments will be crucial to my growth in any aspect of this field.

Additionally, Future IM/Pact will remain a vital resource to support my continued professional development and helping my stay informed about new advancements and opportunities within the industry.

Future IM/Pact has provided me with endless opportunities to expand my network and connect with professionals in the field, as well as offering resources to upskill my technical ability.

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