An internship to remember…

As my summer internship at Gilligan Sheppard draws to a close and I ready myself for the bittersweet journey back to the jungle that is the University of Otago, I find myself reflecting on the invaluable lessons, the memorable experiences, and the incredible people who shaped my time here.

I started at Gilligan Sheppard just one week after finishing my exams. Determined to catch my brain before it slipped into holiday mode, I stepped into the elevator; optimistic yet slightly nervous about what the next three months would hold.

I was then introduced to the Value-Added Services (VAS) team, where I would spend the remainder of my internship. Working alongside Humphrey, Nicola, Joshna, Yi Ping, and Bruce has been the highlight of my time at Gilligan Sheppard. Each day in the office has been an opportunity to absorb more practical knowledge about the business world than I’ve ever encountered in a university paper.

Humphrey regularly assigns tasks that stretch just beyond my current skill level, encouraging me to back-engineer solutions. This approach has proven to be one of the most effective ways for me to learn, and I am extremely grateful for it.

Joshna, as CEO of Gilligan Sheppard, is a source of endless wisdom and leadership, always offering guidance and support whenever needed.

Nicola has been incredibly generous with her time throughout my internship, always willing to assist when I’m stuck while keeping me engaged with a steady stream of meaningful work.

Although I didn’t work closely with Yi Ping, her kindness and unwavering support have always stood out, making her a valued presence throughout my time here.

Then there’s Bruce,

Bruce is, without a doubt, one of the funniest and most memorable characters I’ve ever had the privilege to work alongside. Every day in the office with him is far from boring, as his humour effortlessly pairs with his incredible business foresight and vast knowledge. Often resembling a human ChatGPT, Bruce has a remarkable talent for weaving funny stories into impactful lessons, seamlessly relating complex business concepts to everyday life in ways that leave a lasting impression. I’m especially grateful for the opportunities he’s given me to join meetings, where he’s encouraged me to share my thoughts and provide feedback, fostering both my confidence and professional growth.

The story that I use to explain Bruce’s character is this:

It’s my first day, and I’m not sure what to expect from my first ever finance job. My friends at NZ Funds and the Big Four had started a week earlier, filling me in on what to expect: suit and tie, cubicles, and the occasional angry boss. With that preconception formed, I arrive, introduce myself, and take a seat at a desk in front of Bruce.

Without missing a beat, he looks up and says, “Toby, are you coming to lunch today?”

Caught off guard, I turn my head and reply, “Yeah, for sure.” Then, I go back to setting up my computer and taking care of the usual administrative tasks.

Moments later, Bruce chimes in again, “What do you think you’ll get?”

I turn around, only to see Bruce, shirt off, typing away at his computer as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

Reflecting on moments like that first day with Bruce, I realise how unique and refreshing my experience at Gilligan Sheppard has been. The work culture here strikes a perfect balance between professionalism and a welcoming sense of openness, fostering a team environment like no other.

Over the past three months, I’ve been able to bridge the gap between the theoretical knowledge I’ve gained in Dunedin and employ it in real-world applications. From helping value SMEs and writing minutes for a board meeting to drafting consultancy reports that were then evaluated alongside industry standards, I’ve grown not just as a budding finance professional but also as a communicator and problem-solver.

Beyond the technical skills, the mentorship I’ve received from my colleagues has been invaluable. They’ve shown me the importance of creating a workplace culture where people genuinely support one another and where quality work doesn’t come at the expense of enjoying the process. This lesson is one I’ll carry with me long after my time here.

As I prepare to return to the University of Otago, I feel a renewed sense of purpose and confidence in my chosen path. My time at Gilligan Sheppard has deepened my passion for business and finance, and I’m eager to apply the insights, skills, and memories I’ve gained here to the next chapter of my journey.