It’s hard to believe that I’ve already been interning at Invalorem, an Australian-rooted infrastructure investment firm, for nearly a month and a half. Life down under has been filled with incredibly valuable and unforgettable experiences, expanding my knowledge of a new continent and a new industry.
My arrival in Australia brought a few surprises. After completing the IMD expedition trip in Silicon Valley, I took a direct flight from San Francisco to Melbourne – my longest flight yet. The journey was long, but every effort was worth it. Transitioning from sunny California to Melbourne’s wet and dark winter was a stark change. For the first two weeks, I almost succumbed to the winter blues, especially as an outdoor enthusiast who suddenly felt confined. I missed the lake where I could run every day and the trails I could hike every weekend in Switzerland. However, the warmth of the Australian people, the captivating local wines, the mouthwatering restaurant offerings, and the rich cultural diversity quickly lifted my spirits, turning the initial gloom into something much brighter.
Melbourne’s city spirit is vibrant and inspiring. Its urban landscape, a remarkable blend of European charm and modern flair, resonates with my appreciation for diversity. It’s a cultural melting pot where people from all corners of the globe harmonize. As a local wine-tasting friend told me, “Melbourne’s beauty is like a layer cake; each slice reveals another rich layer to enjoy.” This saying perfectly captures how I’ve come to feel about this city. I’ve found myself fitting into urban life in Melbourne effortlessly. Upon my arrival, I stayed close to our office at 101 Collins Street, right in the heart of Melbourne’s financial district, and not far from Chinatown. Living in this area, surrounded by familiar crowds and sounds, felt almost like being back in Shanghai.
The only thing that reminded me I was somewhere new was the Aussie accent and the unique slang that accompanied it. I still vividly remember my first day at Invalorem. Fresh off the plane, I was invited to an internal meeting. While I was certain that everyone was speaking English, the Aussie accent threw me off – it was harder for me to understand than Swiss German. It made me realize two things: first, my ears weren’t yet attuned to the local accent, and second, I was missing some industry-specific vocabulary. My IMD MBA studies provided me with a foundation in finance, but there was still a lot for me to learn. Our COO, Andrew, greeted me and casually asked about “uni,” and it took me a moment to realize he was referring to university. These initial challenges were all part of my introduction to the rich and colorful Australian culture.
I believe that one of the best ways to acclimate to a new place is by enjoying the local wine. By allowing the local wine to flow through your veins, you internalize the essence of the region. My team has further helped me embrace Aussie culture by introducing me to some very unique local specialties. On my first day, I was asked to choose an AFL team to support. At the time, I had no idea what AFL even stood for (Australian Football League). My colleague helped me with the decision-making by showing me the team logos, and as a good Chinese, I see red as a lucky color. Combined with my Swiss affection for swans, this led me to choose the Sydney Swans as my team. Later that weekend, my colleague Amelia invited me to watch an AFL game – my team, the Swans, against her team, the Brisbane Lions. For the first time in my life, I found myself in a pub at lunchtime, enjoying a schooner of local beer and cheering the footy. I also attended a live AFL match in Adelaide, where my team played against Port Adelaide. I felt a pang of sadness at the Swans’ loss to the Power, and that moment made me realize that a part of me was beginning to grow Australian, connecting me more deeply to this footy-crazed nation.
At Invalorem, my role as an intern involves supporting the investment team, primarily through assisting in the analysis and evaluation of potential investments. The IMD MBA’s intense case-reading approach helped me navigate through the piles of reports at the very beginning of my internship. My investment analysis expertise also benefitted from tremendous support from the entire investment team. In those early days, they made sure I was across everything and encouraged me to jot down questions and seek answers.
The pace at Invalorem is full-on. I reckon their efficiency comes from a mix of deep expertise, dedication, and close-knit collaboration. At IMD, I learned the art of fierce competition; at Invalorem, I’ve learned the spirit of seamless collaboration. Beyond the technical expertise I’ve gained, I’ve also learned some of the softer elements of the workplace, which will undoubtedly benefit me throughout my future career.
There’s no rigid hierarchy here – counterarguments and differing ideas are welcomed and valued, fostering a high level of open-mindedness, respect, and harmony within the company. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with and learning from such a sharp and kind group of people. Regular team-bonding activities bring us even closer, whether it’s the golf tragics having a hit or the whole crew getting together for a weekly lunch and the occasional poker night.
Since I joined, our team lunches have embraced a Chinese theme, with authentic Chinese food that makes me feel more at home. I also tried to add value by inviting a barista friend, who was visiting Melbourne, to 101 Collins for a coffee session at Invalorem, which everyone appreciated. I haven’t had to deal with any menial internship tasks here, and regardless of what I do for the team, I always receive sincere recognition, which has been very encouraging and has fostered a spirit of trying new things and taking ownership.
Working at Invalorem has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to apply and deepen what I’ve learned in the IMD MBA program. This hands-on experience in a new continent has strengthened my resolve to grow into a person with a global mindset. Being outside the IMD campus for a while has given me a better understanding of how to make the most of the remainder of my time at IMD.
The moments of seeing a kangaroo for the first time at the truffle farm, witnessing the sunset from the Twelve Apostles, feeling tears almost welling up at a good sniff of an Australian Shiraz bottle in Barossa Valley, and the heart-touching moment of watching Il Trittico at the Sydney Opera House to celebrate my 35th birthday – there are just so many beautiful memories coming together with my work at Invalorem that I’ll hold close to my heart forever. I truly can’t think of a better way to spend my IMD summer internship than in Melbourne’s winter!
