Meet Our Summer Intern: Nathan Lodes

Please write a short biography about yourself:

My name is Nathan Lodes, and I’m an incoming junior at the University of Iowa planning on majoring in Finance & Accounting. I graduated from Barrington High School in 2022 and have lived in Barrington most of my life.

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

Like many college students, I was initially undecided about my major. The prospect of a career in business intrigued me, but with no prior exposure to business courses in high school, I was hesitant. Fortunately, a friend at the University of Iowa encouraged me to join a stock market and investing club, called Hawktrade. Inside the club, I met lots of like-minded people and even had the opportunity to compete in a stock pitching competition against rival school Iowa State University. Since then, I’ve chosen finance & accounting and haven’t looked back since!

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

My favorite class so far has been one where I acted as an equity research analyst for an $800,000 student-managed equity portfolio. I covered the healthcare sector and created a research report on the current holding Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) and a prospective holding Moderna (NYSE: MRNA). Despite its reputation as the most challenging class in the business school, it was incredibly engaging because our group’s recommendations had a real impact on the portfolio. Not to mention the experience I gained with valuation models like DCF, Relative P/E, Traditional P/E, and the DDM.  

What sparked your interest in investment management?

As a freshman at the time, I knew very little about the investment management industry until a friend, an upperclassman who had interned at a firm in Chicago started telling me about his experiences. I began asking questions and he recommended I take an introductory financial management class to learn the basics. This class provided a solid foundation, but my interest truly peaked when I was admitted into the Hawkinson Institute of Finance. Through the institute, I had the opportunity to attend talks by industry professionals and network with alumni, which further deepened my passion for investment management.

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

I am thrilled about the opportunity to join Virtue Asset Management and am eager to contribute to and grow with the team. My primary goal is to immerse myself and absorb as much knowledge and experience as possible. Being part of a small team presents the unique advantage of gaining substantial responsibility and hands-on experience. Additionally, I aim to develop a deeper understanding of asset management strategies and client relationship dynamics.

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

When I’m not studying, I love to stay active by playing pickleball and rock climbing, two hobbies I’ve really enjoyed during my time in college. In the winter, you’ll often find me skiing at Alpine Valley or Wilmot, where I enjoy the terrain park and learning new tricks.