Interns - AI usage, don’t put yourself out of a job
First I’m really glad our intern is using AI a ton. It’s helpful and he has inspired some efficiency on a couple workflows. But I wanted to warn juniors / interns to make sure you don’t go overboard and obviate yourself. The main thing is framing. Only a couple days in and our intern is clearly really efficient. Cooking through the first few things I’ve given him. He’s clearly really plugged in and knows how to automate stuff. The point is understanding, though. The work at this stage is primarily to prep him for offline analytical discussions later in the summer. What made me think to post was just the optics of how he’s been submitting work so far. He wrote a short preface in the email and then had Claude write a status update on the project. Not sure if this is something colleges or clubs are encouraging but my immediate reaction was that I already work with Claude constantly, so I don’t need to read a pasted output. Something to think about if you want to maximize credit for your work, you don’t need to give away all the info. Just unapologetically take credit for the results and insights. He later made it a portable workflow / skill which was awesome. We’re all using these tools too, there are ways it can make you look better / worse. It’s a weird time to be entering this industry.
Anyone else managing juniors and it feels like using AI indirectly?
There are diverging views on the use of AI in finance. Some of my seniors hate seeing claude outputs, whilst mates at other funds have completely outsourced IC note writing / customer cube dissections with claude. I am a junior myself and also am not sure what route to take
Definitely depends on the tastes of your bosses. In general I think people respond well to high quality outputs no matter the source. Make sure it’s clear you are putting some thought into what you’re sharing, checking it yourself, and I think you’ll be good. Less is more.
Interesting topic. Following
I’m a principal not an associate, ignore title.
To interns: yes, demonstrate your competence with AI, but you must show that you actually are interested in learning the underlying content. Remember - what you can automate with Claude, I can too. And in fact, if I wanted an automation machine, I would hire a data scientist. The practical solution is just show intellectual curiosity. Ask questions / give insights that show you’re grappling with concepts. I want to see you struggling and pushing yourself alongside AI.
If you make the conscious choice to replace your brain with AI, then you will be replaceable too, by me - who has a brain and can use AI equally as well. And yes we need to train juniors to become seniors, but we’re definitely not promoting juniors who are essentially an AI interface.
Completely agree. Major turnoff which it is clear someone is using AI. Makes me question the rest of their work
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