Summer intern 2019 – Caitlin Campbell

16/01/2020
Read Time: 2 Min

“Really immerse yourself as you can learn so much in a short space of time, you must seize the opportunity.”

We caught up with former ECI intern Caitlin Campbell to pick her brains on what she learned during her eight-week summer internship. Caitlin graduated in 2019 from Cambridge having read English Literature and been part of Emmanuel College’s Student Union and former Female Welfare Officer.

Woman working on a computer

Q How did you find the application process and interview?
I sent in my covering letter and CV in early January 2019 and within a few weeks I had a telephone interview with one of the ECI team before being shortlisted for an interview. I was asked to prepare a presentation with an origination bias, and I had done my homework in terms of the types of growth businesses that might meet ECI’s investment criteria. As part of the interview I had to justify the companies that I had chosen and why. I remember one was a Travel business. I was then given a timed case study that I presented to Isa and Hamish.

Q What type of work were you given and how much did this vary?
I was incredibly grateful for this opportunity as I learnt so much in a short space of time. At the most basic level just being in an office with the daily exposure to highly motivated and hard-working people. But what stood out for me were the two origination projects that I worked on with Ruth and Hamish. I probably learnt most in the legal services deep dive particularly around AI and blockchain.

Q How much coaching or mentoring did you get?
The team were particularly generous with their time and I literally asked hundreds of stupid questions as I progressed. I was encouraged to sit in on expert network calls and meetings with ECI’s Commercial Team. At least two of the Investment Team gave me some coaching on LBO modelling.

Q Any advice for future intern applicants?
Really immerse yourself as you can learn so much in a short space of time, you must seize the opportunity. Keep asking questions and get involved in different projects. I worked mainly with the Origination and Commercial Teams. Don’t be put off by the fact that you haven’t read Maths or Economics as a degree subject because communication and people skills are equally important.

Q What are your plans for 2020?
I am busy applying for training programmes and have recently passed the Civil Service Exams. I also have several consultancy applications so hopefully 2020 will be an exciting year for me. I have volunteered for team GB at the Tokyo Olympics in July next year as I have always wanted to travel in Japan and if I get out there, I would love to see more of the country.

Q How would you describe ECI’s culture?
A highly motivated and hard-working group of individuals but who are prepared to collaborate on tasks and share best practice. It felt very open and transparent. I learnt a huge amount just by listening and sitting in on various meetings. My thanks to Ruth, Hamish, Laura and Isa for their endless amounts of patience!

ECI announce close of latest fund

Find out more