Meet Our Summer Intern: Alexandrea Lee

Please write a short biography about yourself:

I’m Alexandrea Lee, an incoming sophomore at Northwestern University, majoring in Industrial Engineering and Economics. I hope to pursue a career in financial engineering, finance, or consulting, where I can apply my education to analyze financial systems and advise organizations.

Can you tell us about your educational background and why you chose your major?

Coming into my freshman year, I was pretty unsure about what I wanted to pursue. I knew I loved the mathematical and technical aspects of engineering, but I also really enjoyed the hands-on, communicative side of business. So, I decided to major in Industrial Engineering and Economics, and it’s been a great fit. It’s given me the chance to dive into both worlds, understanding how to optimize systems and processes while also learning how markets and financial systems work.

What classes or projects have you found most engaging and why?

One of the most engaging classes I’ve taken was an Engineering Analysis course that focused on applying coding (MATLAB) to linear algebra. As someone who has always enjoyed the intricacies of theoretical math, seeing how mathematical derivations and calculations could be applied to real-life scenarios was incredibly inspiring. Topics like Markov Chains and PageRank were particularly eye-opening and grew my interest even further; this experience has encouraged me to pursue further education in statistics and analytics-based learning.

What sparked your interest in investment management?

I’ve always been interested in the world of business, but I’ve never been entirely sure about which path to pursue. Since I’m naturally an analytical and straightforward-thinking person, I knew finance or consulting would align well with my skills and interests. When I learned about this internship, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to explore my passions and decide what direction to take. So far, I’m greatly enjoying this experience and learning far more than I ever expected.

What do you hope to learn or accomplish during your time with Virtue Asset Management?

During my time with Virtue Asset Management, I’m eager to gain hands-on experience in investment management and deepen my understanding of financial markets. As a freshman, I entered this internship with a beginner’s knowledge about the financial industry, and I aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of this field. I’m particularly excited about enhancing my skills in financial modeling, risk assessment, and portfolio management. I’m enthusiastic about contributing meaningfully to the team’s success and building a solid foundation for a successful career in finance.

What do you like to do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies or interests?

During my free time, I love to spend time relaxing with my friends and family. Whether it’s going out for sushi or froyo, visiting the city, or taking quick vacations, I definitely try to make the most out of my free time. I’ve also recently gotten into weight-training and tennis, and I make sure to keep up with my water polo and swim teams. I love to play the violin, and I experiment with playing the piano and guitar as well.