Questions to expect Flashcards
Why do you want to do this job?
“My passion for green finance and sustainable investment was ignited during my tenure at Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, where I immersed myself in sustainable infrastructure and circular economy solutions. This experience was instrumental in shaping my understanding of project finance and management, particularly in the realm of renewable energy. It honed my ability to assess and structure investments that are not only profitable but also environmentally responsible.
My stint at Windō further enriched my expertise, especially in the field of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investment criteria and analytics. Working closely with the CEO, I delved into analyzing greenhouse gas data for the FTSE 100, using econometrics and coding to distill significant trends from complex datasets. This experience underscored the importance of ESG factors in modern investment strategies and strengthened my analytical skills in this domain.
As a team player, I have consistently demonstrated leadership and collaborative skills. My role as Head of House at Marlborough College, combined with various team-based positions in my internships, including international experience, attests to my ability to work effectively in diverse and dynamic environments. These experiences have instilled in me a deep appreciation for teamwork and the unique perspectives that each member brings to a collective goal.
My analytical mindset is further evidenced by my academic accomplishments. Completing various financial modeling courses through Wall Street Prep and achieving a First Class in BSc Economics from the University of Exeter provided me with a robust foundation in economic theory and practical financial analysis. These skills are vital for the diverse responsibilities outlined in the BII program, including impact assessment, investment analysis, and developing strategies for sectors in line with BII’s frameworks.
In summary, my combined experience in green finance, ESG analytics, team leadership, and strong analytical skills make me a well-suited candidate for the Investment and Impact Graduate Analyst program at BII. I am eager to bring my expertise and passion to BII, contributing meaningfully to its impactful investment initiatives.”
Why do you want to work for BII?
My aspiration to join BII is deeply rooted in my professional journey and personal beliefs. My experience in a renewable energy private equity fund in Copenhagen was a pivotal chapter in my life, exposing me to the vital importance of transitioning to net-zero and green infrastructure. This experience aligns perfectly with BII’s commitment to sustainability and transformative investments, as detailed in their ‘Impact Strategy’ document. Their approach to investing not only in SMART industries but also accelerating digital transformation and building modern infrastructure resonates with my professional ethos.
BII’s focus on addressing constraints to growth, strengthening supply chains, and catalyzing future markets particularly appeals to me. Their dedication to raising productivity and sustainability, and ensuring inclusivity aligns with my vision of contributing to a world where progress and equity go hand in hand. Their commitment to investing over 30% in climate finance and supporting the circular economy reflects my own commitment to environmental stewardship.
The ‘Case Studies’ document further cements my admiration for BII’s work, particularly in emerging economies. Projects like the renewable energy initiative in South Africa, which addresses power outages and supports business growth, are exemplary of the impact I wish to be part of. The investment in WorldLink in Nepal, enhancing connectivity for millions, and the focus on water security through climate-smart projects in Africa are exactly the kind of transformative initiatives that drive me. Additionally, initiatives like Aavas Financiers in India, promoting gender equality in property ownership, and mPharma in Africa, making healthcare more accessible, highlight BII’s commitment to addressing critical social and economic issues.
My passion for working at BII stems from a profound belief in their mission to not just invest, but to make a lasting, positive impact on the world. Their dedication to tackling both environmental and social challenges in a holistic manner aligns seamlessly with my professional experiences and personal values. I am eager to contribute to and grow with an organization that is not just shaping the future of investment but is also steadfast in its commitment to a sustainable and equitable world.”
What exactly does the Impact team do?
The Impact team works alongside our Investment teams to assess, manage and evaluate the impact of our investments. This approach creates deals teams, who have the capability and expertise to deliver our development impact objectives whilst making a financial return. Our Impact team have developed a world- class framework for impact management based on international standards and, by the end of the programme, you will become a master in implementing it.
- Managing investments to enhance impact by participating in the design and implementation of initiatives.
- Assessing development impact and working with the Investment team to inform the investment decision and define impact objectives.
- Developing and delivering strategies for sectors to ensure consistency with our frameworks.
- Creating high quality dashboards for each investment involving desk research, facilitating discussions and managing external suppliers.
- Aid in impact data compilation, validation and analysis.
- Thinking through the environmental and social issues of our investments and how to reduce, or mitigate, risks.
- Contribute to ground-breaking thinking and guidance notes on new and emerging, environmental and social topics.
- Analysing new investment proposals and deal opportunities, including supporting on and conducting financial analysis/modelling, valuation exercises, and market research.
What exactly does the investment team do?
Our Investment teams have two key objectives, to support private sector growth and to make a financial return. Our teams are sector focused: we have a Financial Services team, an Infrastructure & Climate team, and an ITS team (Industries, Technology & Services). Our sector groups are divided into product-focused sub teams for equity, debt and funds. Our teams invest in productive, sustainable, and inclusive development with an increased focus on green infrastructure investments, financing digital transformation, and gender and diversity finance.
During your Investment team rotation, you could find yourself:
* Assisting senior team members with the due diligence on a specific company, sector, and country.
* Undertaking research into regions, countries and specific sectors on an ad-hoc basis. This will include providing support to sector mapping exercises.
* Performing discrete project work around sector mapping to identify potential opportunities and to help the Investment team develop these into projects.
* Supporting senior team members on post-transaction management of portfolio companies.
* Assisting in the creation of reports, which will be presented to the Investment Committee for approval.
* People that can demonstrate an interest in, and passion for, impact investing, emerging markets, and development finance.
- Walk me through your resume.
- Why should we hire you?
When answering an open-ended question like this, try to make them insightful and entertaining like you did for your school applications. Again, this question begs you to illustrate that you understand the position for which you are interviewing and that you are hardworking, analytical and team-oriented. Prepare examples and as you do, think of them as if they were speeches.
- What types of activities did you pursue while in college?
While it may be all good and well to talk about the soup kitchen, remember that you’re interviewing for intense, stressful positions. Says one interviewer, “We love to see people who worked part time, went to all six of their classes, earned A’s and don’t seem to need sleep. Frankly, banks like people in debt who will kill themselves for the big bonus. I believe ‘hungry’ people are highly valued in the interview process.” Talk about activities where you were creative, hardworking and determined to succeed.
If you were the CEO of BII, what three things would change?
Give me an example of a project that you’ve done that involved heavy analytical thinking.
Give me an example of a time you worked as part of a team.
Highlight your strengths as a team member: empathy, collaboration, hard work and consensus- building are good themes to emphasize.
What is the most striking thing you’ve read recently in THE NEWS?
What publications do you read regularly?” With these questions, your interviews want to see how well read you are, how interested you are in finance and how well you can describe any of the recent burning financial issue
Describe a project you have worked on that you enjoyed.
you are a hard-working, responsible, analytical team player.
WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST WEAKNESSES
BIGGEST STRENGTHS
Think of a person you feel knows you very well both professionally and socially. If I were to call this person and ask him to describe you, what would he say?
