Investment Analyst Intern - Timber and Agriculture

About The Company

Utah Retirement Systems provides financially sound retirement and 401(k)/457 investment benefits, as well as comprehensive health and dental, disability, and life insurance benefits to active and retired Utah public employees and their beneficiaries.

To learn more about the URS Investments Department click here.

Job Description

Temporary position not to exceed 29 hours per week for up to one (1) year or 40 hours per week for up to six (6) months.

Our work is a mix of public service and professional investing. The URS Investment teams manage equity, credit/fixed income, absolute return, real assets, and private equity globally across both public and private markets.

During the course of the internship we expect interns to become an extension of the URS investment team.  Interns are challenged with projects that stimulate creativity and analytical thinking to solve real investment issues.  Projects include participating in due diligence on both prospective and existing investments, conducting analysis, and various other projects related to managing a $40+ billion pension plan. Interns participate in all aspects of the investment process to create value for the portfolio and to further their education and growth.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

Provides support to the investment team with analysis and due diligence on real estate investments. Supports the staff in evaluating, monitoring, and making recommendations in the context of portfolio objectives, market conditions, performance, and other considerations.  May perform similar functions related to externally-managed investments.  This includes, but is not limited to:

• Gathering and organizing information generated during the due diligence process;

• Participating in due diligence phone calls and meetings;

• Compiling materials for Investment Committee presentations.

Assists with investment-related research projects as needed. This includes but is not limited to:

• Working with investment team to define project scope and objectives;

• Gathering relevant information from a variety of internal and external resources;

• Contributing to presentation of research findings and project implementation.

Prepares research papers and analysis on:

• Market activity and portfolio sensitivity to various risks;

• Market innovations and potential portfolio solutions;

• Other projects as needed.

Assists in producing timely and accurate reports for investment department.

Promotes cooperation among departmental staff and with outside advisers.

Maintains regular and reliable attendance. 

Maintains strict confidentiality.

Performs other related duties as required.

INTERN OBJECTIVES

      1. Learn about institutional investment strategies.

      2. Become proficient in Excel and other technologies, including database work and in-depth analysis.

      3. Develop investment network.

      4. Develop strong communication and analytical skills.

Required Experience

Education and Experience

Actively pursuing pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a business field with an emphasis in real estate.  Work experience in real estate acquisitions, appraising, leasing or property management.

Preference will be given to graduate degree candidates.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This list contains knowledge, skills, and abilities that are typically associated with the job. It is not all-inclusive and may vary from position to position:

Required technical skills include introductory knowledge of:

• Microsoft Office Suite.
• Access, Visual Basic, SQL, and Bloomberg. 
• Argus or similar real estate underwriting software.

Required mathematical skills include working knowledge of:

• Accounting; auditing principles and techniques.

Required investment skills include introductory knowledge of:

• Financial theory and statistical measures.
• Basic knowledge of investments and portfolio management practices such as: portfolio finance and investment methods and concepts.
• Knowledge of investment performance measures.
• Financial forecasting,
• Portfolio sensitivity and risk analysis.

Must possess excellent communication skills:

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues.

Must have the ability to:

• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Prioritize work.
• Perform within deadlines.
• Work well in a team environment as well as independently.
• Multi-task by handling a variety of duties in a timely and efficient manner.
• Follow through with assignments.
• Deal effectively with stress caused by workload and time deadlines.

The incumbent must always demonstrate judgment, high integrity, and personal values consistent with the values of URS.

Additional Requirements

As a requirement of this position, the employee will submit to the URS Investment Compliance Officer a record of trade confirmations or monthly transaction summaries, as they become available, of all security transactions (excluding mutual funds), in any account under the employee’s control and direction, or under the control and direction of the employee’s spouse.

Work Environment

Incumbent performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require a variety of physical activities which do not generally involve muscular strain, but do require activities related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and seeing. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity required to perform essential functions. 

Compensation: 26.25 to N/A (USD)