Internships at the BVCA
The BVCA ran its first internship programme this month, welcoming Ishaka De Bessou, Maria Bozga and Jude Powell to the organisation.
After spending a month working in our Policy, External Affairs and Industry Development teams, they reflect on their experiences and talk about their contributions to organisation initiatives and projects.
Commenting on his experience, Ishaka De Bessou, Public Affairs Intern said:
Joining the BVCA shortly before the general election has given me a unique insight into the working life of a public affairs professional. Over the past month, I’ve been collaborating with the team on drafting ministerial letters, writing MP biographies, and researching key political stakeholders. One of my favourite memories was attending DSIT’s Research Ventures Catalyst Programme and learning about fledgling technology businesses, some of which are currently backed by VC. Moreover, sitting in on research meetings has broadened my understanding of how the private equity industry works and the positive story that can be told about it. I would like to thank my mentor Mia, the Public Affairs team, and the BVCA for making my time here so enjoyable.
Reflecting on her projects with the Policy team, Maria Bozga, Policy Intern said:
The BVCA Policy team internship has been a great learning experience. I have had the opportunity to contribute to several engagements, most significantly the Walker Guidelines refresh, which allowed me to explore how the private capital regulatory landscape evolved over the last decade and understand why the Guidelines are so important today. I really appreciated Sarah, Isobel and the team’s efforts to align differing stances and have learnt from everyone’s feedback on the upcoming consultation. I’m looking forward to BVCA members’ responses. Finally, I would like to say a big thank you to Ciarán for being a great mentor over the past month!
Jude Powell, Industry Development Intern, highlights his key takeaways from the role:
As an Industry Development Intern at the BVCA, I gained insight on the pivotal role of private capital in business growth across the UK. My role was multifaceted and dynamic, with my time being divided across the marketing and training departments providing me with a thorough introduction on how to carry out strategic marketing such as tailored email campaigns or social platform posts to convert membership, training courses (in-house, digital and classroom) and event sales. Additionally, I conducted detailed data and competitor analysis helping me refine my marketing efforts. It was a privilege collaborating with a team of highly dedicated and skilled people who all shared commitment to excellence, making my experience at the BVCA both very rewarding and enriching. I would like to extend my thanks to my mentors, James and Lisa, for dedicating their time and efforts to provide me with guidance and support throughout my internship. I’m also grateful to the CEO, Michael Moore, for giving me the opportunity to be part of such an impactful organisation.
The BVCA is now planning what future internship opportunities could be made available, building on the success of the last month. A big thank you to Ishaka, Maria and Jude for all their help and the BVCA wishes them the best of luck in their future careers.