Over the 19/20 Summer we have had the privilege of having three great people intern at Kernel. Here they share their experience of Kernel life.
Chris Wong 
Nehaal Ram 
Caitlin Veale
So what did they learn – about investing, life and business? And what are their aspirations going forward…Get to know more about our interns Nehaal, Caitlin & Chris.
Nehaal Ram – Finance
What are you studying at uni and what would the dream role be?
In 2020 I’m starting my third year of a Conjoint Degree in Science and Commerce, majoring in computer science, finance, and accounting.
A dream role would utilise the array of problem-solving skills computer science teaches, alongside the financial analysis and methodological manner of handling problems that finance & accounting builds.
Do you invest? Why or why not? What’s one thing new you’ve learnt about investing?
I do invest! I invest for my future, and one thing I’ve learnt is that it’s a lot easier to learn from your mistakes as opposed to waiting for the opportune moment. The “First Investment Hurdle” is a big stigma that often limits many people from getting started.
What do you enjoy about Kernel life?
The amount of responsibility given is awesome. To have the ability to lead a project whilst having the experience of Dean, Stephen & Cat behind you is a great way to learn and understand more of the intricacies behind how fund management works.
What advice would you give to other uni students?
Build your timetable around you. If you’re not a morning person, don’t kid yourself and try to take on morning classes (and vice versa) – I’ve learnt that the hard way. Try to maintain a good balance of taking papers that intellectually stimulate you but enable you to have the best chance at getting good grades. Most of all, when in doubt – ask a lecturer!
You can get in touch with Nehaal here.
Caitlin Veale – Marketing
What are you studying at uni and what would the dream role be?
I am doing a Communications degree and the dream role would combine marketing and my passion for the environment! I think business holds the potential to change the way we consume.
What do you enjoy about Kernel life?
The team environment! I get to have direct input and it’s rewarding to see things that I work on go live. Everyone is lovely and easy to talk to which makes a huge difference when it comes to asking questions. It’s been great to have other interns to work alongside as well.
Do you invest? Why or why not? What’s one thing new you’ve learnt about investing?
I don’t at this stage, although I’m wanting that to change. I never learnt about investing at school (definitely room for improvement in the curriculum to incorporate financial literacy) and so while working on the marketing side of things at Kernel I am trying to soak everything up and read around.
What advice would you give to other uni students?
Try to get involved in things outside of your classes. You’d be amazed at how many amazing clubs exist that are underutilised.
You can reach out to Caitlin here.
Christopher Wong – Finance
What are you studying at uni and what would the dream role be?
I am currently in my last semester of a Bachelor of Health Sciences. The cohort has been amazing and not only has it allowed me to meet a lot of interesting individuals, but it has also offered me a unique perspective to investing. I intend to undertake a Bachelor of Commerce not only satisfy my hunger to learn, but also to enhance my skill set and connections.
What do you enjoy about Kernel life?
I am very humbled that Kernel Wealth had decided to take in a BHSc student. My mentor Stephen, who provided support whenever it was needed. Working with the whole team and the other interns has been very fulfilling. It is a great experience working with like-minded and driven people committed to solving a common task. The best thing about interning at Kernel Wealth is the culture.
Do you invest? Why or why not? What’s one thing new you’ve learnt about investing?
I am not a good investor and have lost more money than I would like to admit. Notwithstanding, I continue doing it because it is a hobby. One method I have come to like is the core-satellite strategy. This approach gives primary portfolio allocation to passively-managed funds and a secondary allocation to actively-managed funds. However, I have adapted the approach slightly to use stocks in place of actively-managed funds. My goal is to integrate this approach by increasing the allocation of passively-managed funds in my current portfolio.
What advice would you give to other uni students?
If I had to offer one tip, it would be to ask the lecturers when you need help. Lecturers are passionate about the topics they teach and more than willing to offer support to anyone who asks.
You can get in touch with Chris here.
We are always keen to have motivated individuals work with us in the Kernel team, drop us a line if this sounds like you. Kernel life is pretty rad!
