I grew up in a small town in Connecticut with two sisters, older and younger. Growing up, my main passion lay in Sport, playing competitive lacrosse and ice hockey. I am currently a student at Elon University in North Carolina. The campus is located in central North Carolina and is regularly recognized as one of the nation’s most beautiful collegiate environments. It is my third year at the University while studying as a Finance major.

Under the college international exchange programme, I am taking classes here in Dublin at Dublin Business School for one semester and taking part in their FIE International Internship Programme, working with Capitalflow. My ambition is to ultimately work in the Commercial Property Sector or within Private Equity. in the US when I graduate. This makes Capitalflow a great fit for my internship.

Unlike here in Ireland, where main, pillar banks largely dominate the market, the US banking market has a two part structure: it comprises a small number of very large banks and a large number of community banks. Capitalflow is similar to a community bank, in that they are mainly relationship lenders and rely on specialised knowledge gained through long-term business relationships.

My tasks as Capitalflow intern to date have been varied; database population, compilation of welcome packs and market research to name but a few. Encouraged by the team I’m hoping to get out and meet some of the customers and “kick the tyres” as the Sales guys say! As my first foray into the working environment, and in a different country, so far so good. The team could not be more welcoming and supportive, helping me gain insight to the commercial finance and property market in which they operate. It is certainly a great work environment to be a part of where each employee is so focused and driven to advance the rapid growth of the firm, while continuing to satisfy its existing customers. My intern ends in December, it’s just a pity I couldn’t stay longer.

Written by Gunnar Bouwman.