Intern-view with Lesley-Jean Ampofo
2 August 2023
We’re delighted to partner with 10,000 Black Interns for the second year running, welcoming two bright and budding interns to our London team.
They join our summer programme for six weeks of learning, development, and valuable professional experience.
We set out to use our influence as a financial organisation to create opportunities and level the playing field for young black professionals.
It’s the most impactful way uphold our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, so our partnership with 10,000 Black Interns is one we cherish.
For the second instalment of our Intern-view series, we spoke to Lesley-Jean Ampofo, who came through the scheme.
We learnt more about her time at Saltgate so far, and why more companies should work with 10,000 Black Interns.
Where are you at in your studies?
I’m progressing into my second year of studying Chemical with Environmental Engineering at the University of Nottingham.
What are your hobbies or what do you do for fun?
Outside of university and studies, my favourite hobby is cooking!
What made you apply for an internship through the 10,000 Black Interns scheme?
I wanted to break into the finance sector by gaining valuable work experience while using my transferable skills. The 10,000 Black Interns scheme gave me the opportunity to do so, even while studying a non-finance related degree, so I feel very fortunate to have been selected for the internship at Saltgate.
What’s your role and what are your responsibilities at Saltgate?
I’m a trainee in the accounting team. My responsibilities include bookkeeping and using the software Yardi. I’ve also worked on calls and distribution spreadsheets on Excel and prepared VAT check sheets.
How are you finding it at Saltgate? What are you enjoying?
I’ve had exposure to Saltgate’s clients in both Real Estate and Private Equity; industries I hope to explore later in my career journey. I’m also learning about the different professional qualifications I can attain if I choose to pursue a career in the financial sector.
What’s been the best experience you’ve had as an intern at Saltgate so far?
My experience at Saltgate has been immensely positive across the board. The team are very welcoming and eager to share their experiences of working in finance and at Saltgate. I’ve enjoyed the training sessions delivered by various employees, who have given us insight into Saltgate and their services, and the broader financial sector.
A personal highlight of mine has been working with the other London interns on a project that explores diversity and inclusion at Saltgate. Collaborating has given us a scope of different perspectives, enabling us to generate creative solutions, which we look forward to presenting in Jersey.
What’s been the most surprising thing?
The most surprising thing about Saltgate to me was the size of the company. I am based in the London office which is the smallest with around 20 people, however the offices in Jersey and Luxembourg are larger.
What’s your favourite part of Saltgate culture?
Despite the hierarchal structure, there is fluidity across the positions within the teams. The senior employees of the company are very accessible and always happy to help or give advice when asked.
How do you think this programme is helping young black people who are looking to start their career?
10,000 Black Interns is supporting young black people by making paid internships more accessible, so they have the experience needed to make decisions about their future careers. The training and guidance they provide in the application, interview, and internship stages is extremely useful to becoming successful in securing and then succeeding on the internship.
How important is it for companies to team up with programmes like 10,000 Black Interns?
The 10,000 Black Interns scheme increases social mobility and diversity within different sectors. Diverse workplaces are essential to successful business as this offers different perspectives and approaches to providing solutions within the company.