Intern Feature: Zachary Gross

I am working for Acadian Asset Management, an $85B+ quantitative investment firm headquartered in the financial district in Boston. My title is Performance and Attribution intern and my main role is to help to generate, validate, and analyze performance reports for equity portfolios. More specifically, I am dealing with factor attributions (unique to quantitative firms) specific to country, region, sector, etc. to help the clients have a better understanding of how their portfolio is performing. Additionally, I am helping with user attribution testing of a new proprietary performance system, as well analyzing and comparing several cost-accounting methods for the hedge fund team. 

HOW DID YOU FIND THIS OPPORTUNITY?

I found out about Acadian last summer after speaking with someone I met through my networking endeavours. While I did not get the job the past summer, I was not dismayed and applied again and was fortunate enough to have been selected after several interviews. 

WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN LIKE AND WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?

My experience has been extremely positive both in terms of what I am learning as well as my exposure to the corporate world. In a broad sense, I have learned the general investment thesis of a quantitative investment firm as well the unique benefits, when compared to the typical fundamental firm. Additionally, I have managed to improve my technical skills regarding the use of Excel as well as programs such as SQL and Python. However, the best skill I learned that I believe I will be able to use in the future is the ability to, at the very least, use quantitative analysis techniques to analyze all sorts of data - far beyond the field of investing. 

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER STUDENTS?

When you see something that looks interesting, apply. Do not be discouraged or think you are not good enough to get a certain position. Of 15+ interns, I am the only one from a state school and I would have never gotten this position if I did not put myself out there. Also, when you get the internship treat it as one long interview, as everything you do, both the good and the bad, will be noticed. Finally, enjoy your time and meet with as many people as possible to both learn about the company as well as build your network.