Meet Our Summer Intern: Margarete Byrd

Please write a short biography about yourself: 

Hi! My name is Margarete Byrd, and I am a rising junior at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor studying Economics. I hope to pursue a career in business, specifically finance, that allows me to take my classroom knowledge and apply it to the real world. 

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

Starting in LSA at Michigan, I wasn’t entirely sure what path I wanted to follow. I started out taking a variety of liberal arts classes and took an introductory economics course that sparked my interest in business. After that, I was accepted into Michigan Women Investment Group, which is an organization focused on helping young women land careers in finance. Ultimately, I declared as an Economics major this past year. This path has allowed me to develop strong problem-solving and quantitative skills which I know will be necessary for any career I choose. 

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

So far, the most engaging class I have taken has been Management & Organizations (MO302) through the Ross School of Business. This course used hands-on simulations to explore how individuals and teams operate within businesses. We analyzed leadership styles, decision-making frameworks, and organizational dynamics. For me, this course was most engaging because it gave me the chance to look closer at the structure of successful businesses and how to be a team player in the workforce. Overall, the collaborative nature of this course taught me how people and culture influence business success. 

What sparked your interest in investment management? 

As an Economics major, I knew a career in business would align with my coursework, I just wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do. After joining Michigan Women Investment Group, I have had the opportunity to meet with senior advisors and hear their stories about breaking into finance. What draws me to investment management specifically is the combination of long-term strategic thinking and the opportunity to work in a client facing role. When I started at Virtue, I was able to learn more about how investment management isn’t just about numbers, it is about helping clients achieve long-term financial stability. So far, I am learning something new every day, and I am excited for what is to come.  

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

At Virtue Asset Management, I am eager to gain experience in investment management and sharpen my technical skills. I am excited about the chance to use online platforms to strengthen my skills in financial modeling and risk management. By the end of the summer, I hope to have a strong understanding of the financial markets and have contributed to the team in a positive way. 

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

In my free time, I try to spend lots of time with family and friends. Some of my favorite ways to do this are going to hot yoga, playing pickleball, or just staying in and watching a movie. Back in Ann Arbor, my two friends and I run a food blog Instagram account where we try new restaurants in the area. If I have the time, I love any concert or music festival and I am always counting down the days till my next one!