Investment Intern

First Trust Alternative Investment Research (“FT AIR”) offers an Investment Intern role focused on supporting all aspects of investment due diligence for alternative investment mandates, including hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, real estate, and private credit.

About the role

The Investment Intern’s responsibilities closely mirror those of a full-time Investment Analyst, providing direct exposure to research, due diligence, and portfolio management. Interns also participate in a structured educational curriculum on frameworks and analytical tools for evaluating alternative investment strategies. The role requires strong analytical, technical, and communication skills and sits within FT AIR’s 22-person investment research team.

Responsibilities

• Perform qualitative and quantitative assessments of alternative investment managers and strategies
• Participate in calls and meetings with existing and prospective alternative asset managers
• Compile and distribute formal written notes related to investment meetings
• Function as a point of contact for the investment team with prospective and existing portfolio investments
• Perform ad hoc statistical analyses of fund risk exposures
• Support the creation of broader investment committee recommendations
• Lead the effort to maintain updated firm and fund materials for existing investments
• Provide analytical support to evaluate existing client portfolio investment performance
• Maintain and improve current investment due diligence workflow processes
• Provide operational and investment support for internally managed portfolios
• Assist in various ad hoc research projects related to new product development
• Participate in the creation of market/industry commentary for firm marketing efforts
• Support the sourcing of new liquid and alternative investment strategies

Qualifications

• Rising Juniors or Seniors; academic focus in finance, investments, or accounting a plus
• Excellent undergraduate academic record
• Interest in or progress toward the CFA designation a plus
• Interest in understanding hedge fund, private equity, private credit, and real estate strategies
• Effective communicator, both written and verbal
• Strong grasp of statistics used in financial analysis
• Demonstrated high level of analytical/quantitative skill
• Passion for the alternative asset management industry
• Ability to manage simultaneous projects, often with time constraints
• Self-motivated and highly curious
• Willingness to travel both domestically and internationally up to 25% of the time

Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Experience with Bloomberg, Morningstar, Preqin, eVestment/Pertrac, LightKeeper, or Enfusion a plus

About the firm

First Trust Capital Management (“FTCM”) is a privately-owned alternative investment research and asset management firm advising investment advisors, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals. FTCM’s specialized business unit, FT Alternative Investment Research (FT AIR), oversees all investment solutions and discretionary portfolios, focusing on identifying suitable investments to enhance client portfolios.

In 2025, FT AIR reviewed 500 investment strategies, made 12 new primary fund commitments, closed over 60 direct transactions, participated in 25 capital introduction events, and attended 15 industry conferences. The team maintains a proprietary database of portfolio managers and correspondence, sourcing most investments through its extensive network rather than database screens.