Intern Project Dilemma
Currently interning at a smaller buyside firm this summer, and we ranked our final project references out of a range of topics. After I ended up getting my first choice, a macro thesis on investing in Southeast Asia, my project mentor came to me and expressed that a project on activist investing in Japan is more high-priority for the firm right now.
I agreed because I didn't want to look like someone who wasn't a team player, and I know the point of the final project is the research/learning curve. However, nobody else's scope got changed in my intern class and if they really wanted this to be explored, they could've initially included it as an option. My original choice was wisely made to be sure I was working on something that made me passionate/was easier (in order to focus time equally across tasks), have familiarity with the subject, and am presenting myself in the best manner, as this will be make or break for my offer decision. If I continue on this Japanese route, I wouldn't be anywhere near as passionate about it and nobody would care about the change -- solely the result.
Luckily, my project mentor said she could try to speak to a higher-up to reverse my topic back to SE Asia. Should I take her up on the offer or leave it as is?
P.S. I know this is the IB forum, just that this is the part of WSO that gets the most traction. Apart from this roadblock, I've loved my summer in a totally new city so far and the chance to apply my BB IB experience from last summer to an investing seat. Everyday, I see how the skills I learned and things I was exposed to back then are paying dividends now -- glad I followed my gut and made the leap.
no opinion on what to say to your staffer but take a look at some of the stuff that has been happening at Toshiba for the last couple months... now would be a fascinating time if any to do a project on PE and activist investing in Japan, which is interesting enough on its own considering how hostile the country has been to this kind of thing for a very long time
That's a very valid point, I think my fear is just looking dumb you know, especially if we were originally planning to go a different route. This is also about public markets. I have until the 4th, I'll be open to it
I say PE because the background on the Toshiba situation is most of the largest global mega funds bidding on the company (Blackstone/kkr, CVC, Bain) with the goal of taking it private. its interesting to me because you'd think that many japanese companies would be amazing targets for activist public/private investors, but there are a host of issues preventing money from coming in, many of which are VERY apparent in the Toshiba deal.
again, I cant really comment on which you should take - ive done some work with SEA investing and personally do not find it as interesting. it was also very hard to get any data on actual companies in SEA since reporting and disclosure standards arent as built out since most of the region is still developing. I definitely wouldn't worry about looking dumb though as long as you can put in the work. if they are trusting you above others to do this project (which I would guess they added because of recent developments, not on a whim) who knows maybe it will be seen as a plus to go out of your comfort zone
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