Unlocking the Power of Early Internships: A Transformative Journey into Finance

At just 16 years old, Yi Ke Cao embarked on a life-changing internship at a hedge fund, setting the stage for a remarkable career in finance. This as-told-to essay chronicles her pivotal experience, shedding light on the profound impact that early exposure to the corporate world can have on a young person's professional trajectory.

Discovering a Passion for Finance: From Curiosity to Conviction

Embracing the Family Legacy

Growing up with parents in the finance industry, Yi Ke Cao's interest in the field was piqued from a young age. As she recounts, "My parents both worked in finance, and when I was much younger, like most kids, I didn't have much of an idea of what my path in the working world would look like. But my folks told me stories about corporate finance and what it was like being a part of the industry. That sparked my interest in the field."

Balancing Priorities: Beyond the Lure of Wealth

While the financial rewards of a career in finance were undoubtedly appealing, Yi Ke Cao recognized that there was more to consider. "I'm not gonna lie. Money was one of the key draws of the sector, though for me, it wasn't the only thing that mattered," she explains. "I also knew I wanted to work for an employer that could give me a positive work-life balance and hopefully a place with a good environment and great colleagues."

Seizing Unexpected Opportunities

When an internship opportunity at a Singapore-based hedge fund, Modular Asset Management, presented itself during her secondary school years, Yi Ke Cao seized the chance. "Unexpectedly, an opportunity to intern at a hedge fund came to me when I was 16," she recounts. "I figured it would be a great opportunity for me to gain some exposure to the industry and broaden my network."

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

The transition from a student to a professional work environment was not without its challenges. "The first few days of my internship were terrifying," Yi Ke Cao admits. "I felt overwhelmed by the new environment. I didn't know what my colleagues were expecting from me because I had no prior knowledge or technical skills to offer." However, she persevered, leveraging her foundational knowledge of Excel and quickly adapting to the steep learning curve.

Gaining Invaluable Insights

Despite her initial trepidation, Yi Ke Cao's internship experience proved to be a transformative one. "I got to sit in on strategic discussions between departments and witness part of their decision-making process as traders. I began to see how meticulous and exacting you have to be if you wanted to be a good portfolio manager," she reflects. These insights not only solidified her interest in finance but also motivated her to pursue a business education.

A Pivotal Moment in Career Development

Looking back, Yi Ke Cao recognizes the profound impact of her early internship experience. "Besides giving me early exposure to a professional working environment, it helped me confirm my interest in a finance career and solidified my decision to go to business school," she says. "If I could turn back the clock, I would have done more internships as a teenager. Even though the work scope would likely have been limited, it would still have been good exposure for me."Yi Ke Cao's story serves as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of early internships. By seizing an unexpected opportunity and embracing the challenges that came with it, she not only gained valuable insights into the finance industry but also laid the foundation for a promising career. Her experience underscores the importance of providing young individuals with the chance to explore their passions and discover their true calling, even before they embark on their formal education and professional journey.