My Internship

My six-month internship in 2021 at Devlhon Consulting as a Strategy Consultant was a period filled with learning opportunities and stimulating challenges. From the onset, I was involved in high-value projects, for example, the reorganization of an north Africa ban’s branch network, allowing me to apply my strategic analysis skills and enhance company performance.

Logo of Devlhon Consulting.

Source: the company.

The Department

Devlhon Consulting’s Strategy Department focuses on providing strategic advisory services to improve client profitability and operational efficiency. The department handles a diverse range of projects, including market analysis, business restructuring, and financial performance improvement for various industries (for example, AXA, BNPP, Attijariwafa Bank,Dioul

My Missions

One of the most significant projects I undertook was conducting a strategic due diligence to enhance the profitability of a North African bank. This project allowed me to understand the nuances of African financial markets and develop actionable recommendations for improving the bank’s financial performance. Another key assignment was analyzing a Net-Zero banking tool for a French bank as part of its long-term strategic planning, which involved sustainability and green finance considerations. The tool was a software to be tested, allowing the bank to evaluate the carbon impact of the projects it was financing, with the aim of finding a balance between pollution and depollution.

Required Skills and Knowledge

The internship required a blend of technical and interpersonal skills. Technical skills included strategic analysis, financial modeling, and proficiency in data analysis tools (Power BI or Power Pivot and Dax). Interpersonal skills involved effective communication, teamwork, and the ability to present complex information clearly to clients and stakeholders.

What I Learned

I also contributed to the overhaul of a Cameroonian fintech’s business plan, similar to Lydia. By proposing practical adaptations, I helped the company strengthen its business model to better meet local market needs. These experiences enriched my professional journey, providing me with a global and strategic view of banking and financial operations, while developing essential skills in analysis and project management.

Financial Concepts Related to My Internship

Three financial concepts that were closely related to my internship at Devlhon Consulting include strategic due diligence, business model analysis, and sustainability in finance.

Strategic Due Diligence

Strategic due diligence was crucial for assessing the financial health and growth potential of the North African bank. This involved evaluating financial statements, market conditions, and competitive positioning to make informed recommendations. My role required meticulous analysis and strategic thinking to identify opportunities for profitability improvement.

Business Model Analysis

Analyzing the business model of the Cameroonian fintech required a deep understanding of financial structures, revenue streams, and market dynamics. I developed a comprehensive business plan that included financial projections and strategic initiatives to enhance the company’s competitive edge and market responsiveness.

Sustainability in Finance

The analysis of the Net-Zero banking tool involved integrating sustainability principles into financial planning. This concept focused on aligning banking practices with environmental goals, such as reducing carbon footprints and promoting green investments. My work contributed to developing strategies that balanced financial performance with sustainability objectives.

My Internship Experience as a Structured Finance Analyst at Société Générale

In this article, Mickael RUFFIN (ESSEC Business School, Master in Strategy and Management of International Business (SMIB), 2023-2024) shares his professional experience as a Structured Finance Analyst Intern at Société Générale.

My Internship

During my one-year apprenticeship at Société Générale CIB, I had the opportunity to work as a Structured Finance Analyst within the S&E (Sanction & Embargo) team. This experience was a crucial step in my career, providing me with an in-depth understanding of the complex dynamics of finance within the context of international sanctions and economic embargoes.

Logo of Société Générale CIB.

Source: the company.

The Department

The S&E team at Société Générale is responsible for managing the bank’s activities in regions affected (Sanction Country.png) by international sanctions and embargoes. This includes ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, assessing the risks associated with operating in these areas, and structuring financial solutions that adhere to these constraints.

Sanction Country.

Source: GAO.

My Missions

My primary role involved assisting with the financial structuring for French firms operating in sanctioned and embargoed regions. I quickly grasped the importance of meticulous risk assessment and financial modeling to ensure the success of projects in these restrictive environments. One of my significant achievements was modeling joint-venture finance in the oil and gas sector, a project that required a precise understanding of investment risks and international sanction regulations.

Required Skills and Knowledge

This internship required a combination of soft and hard skills. On the technical side, I needed strong financial modeling capabilities, an understanding of international sanctions law, and proficiency in data analysis tools. Soft skills included effective communication, especially when presenting complex financial models to the executive committee, and strong problem-solving abilities to navigate the challenges posed by operating in high-risk regions.

What I Learned

One of the most rewarding aspects of this internship was leading comprehensive due diligence processes for significant capital investments. For example, I conducted a thorough due diligence for a $300 million capital expenditure acquisition for a defense entity operating in an embargoed region. This project enhanced my data analysis skills and regulatory compliance knowledge. Presenting these models and projects to the executive committee for strategic review enriched my ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and persuasively.

Financial Concepts Related to My Internship

Three financial concepts were particularly relevant during my internship: risk assessment, financial structuring, and due diligence.

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment was crucial in evaluating the feasibility of financial projects in sanctioned regions. This involved analyzing political and economic conditions, understanding legal constraints, and forecasting potential financial impacts. My role required me to develop comprehensive risk assessment models that informed strategic decision-making.

Financial Structuring

Financial structuring involved designing financial solutions that complied with international sanctions while meeting the needs of our clients. This required a deep understanding of financial instruments and regulatory frameworks. I was responsible for creating financial models that balanced risk and return, ensuring compliance and profitability.

Due Diligence

Due diligence was a critical part of my responsibilities, involving thorough investigations into potential investments to ensure they met all regulatory and financial criteria. This process included financial analysis, risk evaluation, and legal compliance checks. My experience in conducting due diligence for large-scale acquisitions honed my analytical skills and attention to detail.

Why should I be interested in this post?

This experience can be very interesting if you want to work either in investment banking or at the Ministry of Finance or Economy. This position combines financial technicality and the importance of understanding geopolitical issues related to the strategies of major French companies.

Useful resources

SG CIB Website

About the author

The article was written in August 2024 by Mickael RUFFIN (ESSEC Business School, Master in Strategy and Management of International Business (SMIB), 2023-2024) .

My Internship Experience as a Strategy Consultant at Devlhon Consulting

My Internship Experience as a Strategy Consultant at Devlhon Consulting

My Internship

The Department

My Missions

Required Skills and Knowledge

What I Learned

Financial Concepts Related to My Internship

Strategic Due Diligence

Business Model Analysis

Sustainability in Finance

Why should I be interested in this post?

Related posts on the SimTrade blog

Useful resources

About the author