When opportunity knocks, just say yes

Undergraduate Abby Penman took part in a summer programme with AmplifyME which led to an internship with a finance business this summer. Here, she details the benefits she gained in saying yes to opportunity.

The January AmplifyME Bootcamp at Strathclyde Business School was what sparked my interest in AmplifyME’s broader offerings and while I unfortunately wasn’t able to participate in the SBS bootcamp at the time, this led me to explore their summer programme. 

The summer programme has a well-structured and detailed agenda over three weeks, designed to give a comprehensive insight into various aspects of finance. It was an intense, hands-on experience that not only broadened my understanding of finance but also provided much-needed clarity on my career direction.  

The programme was segmented into three primary sections - buy side, sell side, and investment banking. Each segment focused on different dimensions of finance, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical simulation experiences. For instance, during the buy side week, we delved into asset management, fixed income, and hedge funds, with a chance to trade in the live stock market (with fake money of course), utilising technical analysis. The sell side week introduced us to commodities trading, quant finance, blockchain, and the basics of Python. The investment banking week was intensive, with simulations that used financial statements, flagship M&A simulation, and an exploration of credit and lending as well as private equity. We even created IPO pitch decks as part of a team, which was an enriching experience I thoroughly enjoyed working closely with the others in my cohort. 

The AmplifyME programme allowed me to experience a range of financial roles in a structured, immersive way. Through this, I discovered the type of work I truly enjoyed. For example, I realised that while I found the high-pressure, unpredictable nature of stock market trading during the buy-side and sell-side weeks exciting, it wasn’t something I wanted to pursue long-term. However, I thoroughly enjoyed working with Excel, financial modelling, and using data to inform strategic decision-making. These experiences helped me identify where my strengths lie and what kind of work environment would suit me best. 

One of the biggest takeaways was the ability to interpret financial data and make informed decisions under pressure. This was particularly evident in the trading and portfolio management exercises, where I had to react to real-time market movements, execute trades, and adjust my strategy based on economic data and news.  

One of the most valuable aspects of the programme was the opportunity to develop strong financial modelling and Excel skills, particularly during the M&A and valuation simulations. Prior to this, my Excel experience had been limited, but through hands-on exercises, I became proficient in: 

· Building valuation models from scratch, incorporating 3-statement models, discounted cash flows (DCF), comparables analysis, and EPS accretion/dilution calculations. 

· Conducting an in-depth M&A analysis, where I had to assess Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, analysing financial statements, forecasting synergies, and structuring an investment pitch. 

· Learning data visualisation and presentation techniques, ensuring I could not only perform the calculations but also present findings in a clear and compelling manner. 

Moreover, the programme included an informative careers clinic, where we received real CV reviews, learned how to craft effective cover letters, build a LinkedIn profile, and develop networking skills. 

The career clinic sessions during the AmplifyME summer programme were instrumental in guiding me through the application process for my internship. These sessions offered insights into industry expectations and provided practical advice on how to make my CV and cover letter stand out. Additionally, the mock interview and HireVue session familiarised me with various interview formats, what hiring managers seek, and professional etiquette in interviews. Before AmplifyME, I had never done an automated video interview, so I wasn’t aware of key factors like the importance of eye contact, body language and well-structured responses within the time limit. Because of this preparation, I approached my interviews with much more confidence, ensuring my responses were clear, engaging, and aligned with their values. 

Through the various simulations and tasks, I was able to identify the aspects of finance that I truly enjoyed. This helped me tailor my applications towards roles that suited my strengths and interests. The hands-on experience with valuation models during the programme also provided me with tangible examples of my skills in action, which I could discuss during interviews. Highlighting these experiences was crucial in demonstrating my knowledge aptitude for the role I applied for. 

I truly believe this programme has opened my mind to a world of opportunities and provided practical tips to steer my career in the right direction. As a result, I have managed to secure an internship with Morgan Stanley at their Glasgow Office in the Finance division starting in June this year. I am looking forward to further developing the skills I learnt during the AmplifyME summer programme and applying them in a real-world setting. 

The opportunity to have my CV reviewed at the end of the programme provided me with professional and constructive feedback that helped refine my CV, enhancing its appeal to potential employers by aligning it more closely with industry expectations. 

Additionally, the programme significantly boosted my commercial awareness. They shared a variety of excellent resources that help me stay informed about the latest industry news and developments, which is crucial for anyone looking to excel in such a fast-paced industry. 

Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects was the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of talented and driven individuals from around the world. This network has not only expanded my professional contacts but also enriched my understanding of global financial perspectives. 

About Abby Penman

Abby Penman is a third year Finance and Marketing student at Strathclyde Business School.