Sustainability in Action – Oaktree’s Intern Class: Top Takeaways from Summer 2023

Oaktree's internship program, begun in 2016, strives to introduce the next generation of financial professionals to our firm, alternative investments, and the asset management industry more broadly. The firm offers internships with both its investment teams and its non-investment departments, such as legal, compliance, finance, IT, client relations, and corporate services. In 2023, Oaktree welcomed 51 interns across its six global offices for a 10-week summer program. This year's class includes participants from over 40 different universities, with roughly 75% hailing from Oaktree's many partner organizations, including AltFinance, Girls Who Invest, SEO, Phelps Forward, and the Posse Foundation.

We've collected key takeaways from several members of this year's class about their summer at Oaktree. For additional information and to meet more members of this year's intern class, please check out Oaktree's 2023 Internship Program video.

What attracted you to Oaktree’s internship program?

Nia Phipps

“Oaktree is renowned and celebrated for having an inclusive culture centered on humility, transparency, and authenticity.  Through my interview process, it became abundantly clear that Oaktree was intentional about hiring employees that embodied their culture.  Everyone I met with – no matter their seniority – was interested in hearing what I had to say and was dedicated to creating a safe atmosphere for growth.”

Margaret MacMillan

“I was drawn to Oaktree because of its reputation as a firm of highly intelligent and supportive people, and I was excited about the opportunity to learn more about credit investing and the world of finance in general.”

Jason Dias

“I learned about Oaktree through the Posse Foundation, which is my scholarship program.  They have partnered with Oaktree for many years, and spoke highly of the firm, the people, and the training program.”

Russell Cockerham

“I was introduced to Oaktree’s unique culture through the AltFinance program.  Immediately, I was impressed with how connected and genuine Oaktree employees were with each other and how that characteristic was evident up and down the ranks at the firm.”

Julissa Ponce

“I’m a return intern to Oaktree this summer.  I wanted to spend another summer at the firm because of the truly amazing culture that’s fostered within this organization.  What touched me the most was the presence of people who were not only cheering for me but actively advocating on my behalf.  It’s an environment where I can be myself, share my thoughts, and feel confident that my voice matters.”

How would you describe your internship experience in one sentence?

Nia Phipps

“It has been transformative both professional and personally, as I was surrounded by exceptional individuals who have already made a lasting impact through their friendship and mentorship.”

Russell Cockerham

“My internship experience has been informative, challenging, and eye-opening – whether from meeting Oaktree executives, traveling with the Sourcing & Origination team, or figuring out how to attack deliverables.”

Emily Zhu

“My time at Oaktree has been an incredibly educational and fulfilling experience.”

Michael Zellinger

“Oaktree has been a stimulating and supportive environment where I’ve been able to develop my professional skills and form meaningful relationships.”

Audrey Granmayeh

“It’s been a formative experience that has allowed me to be intellectually curious about a space I would not have had exposure to otherwise.”

What has surprised you the most about the internship program?

Michael Zellinger

“The diversity of the intern class and how much fun we’ve had together.  Also, the generosity of Oaktree staff at all levels to connect and offer guidance.”

Sylvia Xi

“The exposure and proximity I’ve had to senior management within Oaktree has been amazing.  Oaktree has created a community where junior and senior people alike all interact daily, whether it be for work or to simply grab lunch together.”

Elyse Chan

“The high level of interconnection between all the groups at Oaktree, particularly the level of collaboration between investment and non-investment teams.”

What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Oaktree?

Margaret MacMillan

“On my first day of work, my team hosted a welcome breakfast for all of the NY interns.  The whole team came to the breakfast, plus quite a few other members of the New York office.  I felt so welcomed, and I loved having the opportunity to meet everyone in person and break the ice on my first day.”

Jason Dias

“In the finance area, all of the interns worked on a project together.  We became close and worked really well together.  I’ve also enjoyed exploring LA.  I've been all over: Beverly Hills, Orange County, Manhattan Beach.  I was initially kind of scared because I didn't know anybody when I came to LA, but I’ve made friends.  It has been a great experience.”

Julissa Ponce

“For me, it was the scavenger hunt that was organized by the HR team during the first week of our internship.  It was a really great way for the interns in LA to get to know each other and explore the city.  We went to Grand Central Market, the Angels Fly railway, and The Broad art museum.”

Jeanette Arteaga

“The real estate team partnered with Habitat for Humanity, and we had the opportunity to help build a house for a family this summer.”

What advice would you give to future interns?

Audrey Granmayeh

“Ask questions!  You should take advantage of the opportunity to soak up as much as you can from people at the firm.”

Jeanette Arteaga

“Network, meet deadlines, and be curious.”

Eva Dembo

“Make sure to make the most of your internship: connect with as many other interns and people at Oaktree as you can.”

Jason Dias

“Definitely don't be afraid to be uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to not know things, ask questions, and definitely take good notes!”

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