Jamaica Observer
Anadeen Nembhard (3rd right), vice president and head of people, culture and talent at Sygnus, speaks with undergraduate and post-graduate economics students on the practical, hands-on experience they are able to gain working with Sygnus, at the West Indies Economic Conference. Pictured (from left) are Javar McDonald, Lashuana Colquhoon, Andrew Nelson, Andeen Nembhard, Pheresa Dudhi, and Akeal Mitchell.
In a bid to continue developing the next generation of leaders in alternative investments, Sygnus Capital has reintroduced its Alternative Investments Leaders of Tomorrow (AILT) internship programme. Officially launched in 2023, the programme aims to give university students and new graduates invaluable exposure to the world of investment banking, investment management, private equity, wealth management, as well as finance and people and culture — fields that are rapidly evolving, though some remain relatively underexplored in the Caribbean.
The programme made its official return at the recent University of the West Indies Conference (WECON), where Sygnus engaged students eager to make their mark in the financial world. Anadeen Nembhard, assistant vice-president and head of people, culture, and talent management (PACT) at Sygnus, explained that the decision to reintroduce the programme was driven by the company’s commitment to nurturing the next wave of investment professionals.
“At Sygnus, we recognise the importance of cultivating the next generation of talent in alternative investments. By offering this internship, we aim to not only engage university students and graduates in this dynamic industry but also to create meaningful pathways for them into careers in investment banking and management, private equity and related fields,” she said.
An evolving programme with a focus on development, the AILT internship programme is designed to provide interns with practical, hands-on experience that will equip them with the skills needed to thrive in this competitive industry. Since its initial launch, the programme has been expanded to include specialised rotations across Sygnus’ core business areas, such as investment banking, wealth management, private equity, and mergers and acquisitions, as well as internship positions in finance and PACT.
“We’ve restructured the internship to include a diverse range of experiences. Interns will gain exposure to key business units, participate in real transactions, and engage in comprehensive financial modelling and market research projects,” Nembhard said.
The eight-week internship programme includes rotations across key business units, where interns will gain hands-on experience. They will work on financial modelling and market research projects, contribute to preparing investment committee presentations, and have the opportunity to job shadow senior leaders.
Additionally, each intern will receive one-on-one mentorship and personal development sessions to support their growth. The programme culminates in a high-level case study presentation, allowing interns to showcase their acquired skills and insights.
“We want our interns to leave with more than just technical expertise. We want them to walk away with a deep understanding of the industry and the confidence to succeed in it,” Nembhard said.
The skills developed throughout the programme are critical in the fast-paced world of alternative investments. Interns will be able to build their analytical capabilities, improve their communication skills, and sharpen their understanding of how the investment world functions, all while building a solid foundation in financial markets and strategic decision-making.
The programme also serves as a potential entry point to permanent employment for high-performing interns.
“We believe in nurturing talent for the long term. By offering permanent positions to our best interns, we can continue to build a strong pipeline of future leaders. It’s our way of investing in the people who will drive Sygnus forward,” shared Nembhard.
Abigail Monroe, who first joined Sygnus as an intern in 2022, is now a people, culture, and talent management officer, having recently been promoted from associate in January is a testament to the programme’s impact.
“At Sygnus, my internship was not the typical ‘filing documents’ experience. I got the opportunity to lead and support impactful projects as well as contribute ideas. Through hands-on coaching and professional development opportunities from senior professionals, I developed confidence and problem-solving skills to tackle challenges with confidence and thrive within Sygnus today,” she said.
The AILT programme is open to students who are eager to take on challenges and who have a passion for investments. Candidates can be pursuing degrees in fields like banking and finance, economics, human resource management or actuarial science, and demonstrate both strong academic performance and leadership potential.
Applications for the 2025 cohort opens today, April 2.
