National Intern Day was observed on Thursday, July 30. The day was launched in 2017 by job platform Wayup as an opportunity for employers to commemorate and thank their hardworking interns, before they head back to college.
Traders Magazine was pleased to connect with three summer interns at financial services platform Marex to learn about their work experience, what drew them to the industry, takeaways from the trading floor, and what they see for the future.
Claire Bender, Operations Intern
Briefly describe your academic background and your internship at Marex.
My academic background is not really related to finance. I just graduated in the spring with my Bachelor’s in Health Science from the University of Florida. I wanted to go to medical school for most of my college career but then pivoted, and I am now attending law school for my JD this fall. I am currently an Intern with XFA, a division of Marex, who provides trade execution services for exchange-traded derivatives. My daily scope varies and includes operational and administrative tasks to ensure efficient execution, gaining exposure to trades across different markets. My goal is to make the team’s life easier by improving background operations processes.
How did you become interested in the financial industry?
Honestly, my interest in finance grew as I became more observant and aware of the real world. At first, it felt abstract, but the more I learned about the industry, the more I realized what companies like Marex do is engrained in our everyday lives. Without the organizations that manage global trade, our world wouldn’t function the same. I am lucky enough to have family members in the finance industry that have educated me on their career and have always been intrigued by trying something completely new. Entering this space did feel like a challenge, but seeing the complexity and different specializations of finance drew me in completely and I am loving it.
What has been the most interesting work you have been involved with this summer?
I cannot pinpoint one specific project that has stuck out more than others; the best thing has been the variety. Marex has given me the opportunity to work across different groups and endlessly learn. There is always something new on the execution side; my team works with a wide variety of customers and entities, and the market moves every day. Besides my main role in our Chicago office, I also got to shadow the legal team in the New York office as well. Each department has welcomed me and given me tasks that have helped me grow, while allowing me to positively contribute to the team. I have gained knowledge and developed new skills across different sectors in the industry, with great thanks to everyone at Marex.
What has surprised you about your internship?
I was positively surprised how willing each individual is to contribute to your growth and success. It is easy to be intimidated as an intern. During my summer here, each senior leader I have met with believed in my potential without hesitation. Marex’s culture is welcoming, genuine, and committed to developing young professionals, which is so rewarding to be a part of.
Any mentors that you’d like to recognize?
Three people specifically shaped my experience tremendously. Tia France is our talent coordinator; the reason each intern landed their role. She is a great role model in kindness and authenticity. The encouragement Tia provides has heavily contributed to my personal growth and success.
Tim Hendricks, my manager, is also a key person in my learning environment. He has been so willing to teach me tasks out of my comfort zone with compassion and patience. Above all, his respect and character shine through in every interaction I have with him. Jenn Kaiser has also impacted my summer here at Marex. She has given me endless connections and guidance to navigate different teams. Jenn’s ambition is inspiring and exemplifies her as a great female mentor.
What advice would you give to next year’s interns?
You should try and meet as many people as possible, across all areas of the business. Each person you meet can be a mentor and teacher with different experiences, so it is vital to meet as many people as you can with intention. Always be ready to listen and learn because the possibilities are endless. Do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
Flash forward 20 years: What does the finance/fintech industry look like?
The ever-changing field of technology and AI makes it difficult to imagine the future of finance in the next 20 years. I think that technology and AI should always be a supplement, rather than a replacement of human work. Technology will, I am sure transform the industry and things will look dramatically different in terms of everyday tasks.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I love to enjoy new foods and generally try things I haven’t done before. Cooking is a great creative outlet for me to explore different foods as well. I find joy in traveling and seeing new places and I am hoping to do much more of that in the future. In addition to food and travel, being active is also one of my hobbies that feel like safe care to me.
Ryan Lofland, Finance Intern
Briefly describe your academic background and your internship?
I am a rising senior at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) studying finance. During my internship at Marex, I am working in the accounting department, where I prepare general ledger reconciliations, assist with trial balances, and support various accounting and financial reporting processes.
How did you become interested in the finance industry?
My interest in finance began through reselling sneakers. I became fascinated by how value could change based on supply, demand, scarcity, and information. That experience sparked my curiosity about markets and eventually led me to pursue a career in finance.
What has been the most interesting work you have been involved with this summer?
One of the most interesting projects I worked on involved accounting for foreign exchange positions. It gave me a broader perspective on how a global company like Marex operates and showed me how many different systems and teams work together behind the scenes to support the business. That experience helped me appreciate the complexity of global financial markets and the importance of accurate financial reporting.
What has surprised you about your internship?
What surprised me most was how collaborative and supportive the environment is. Everyone, from my immediate team to senior leaders, has been approachable and willing to answer questions and share their knowledge. Because people are so generous with their time, I’ve been able to gain exposure to areas beyond accounting and better understand how departments like operations, trading, and sales work together to support a global business like Marex.
Any notable mentors that you’d like to recognize?
I would like to recognize Jennifer Kaiser, Jennifer Anderson and Kevin Leon for their guidance throughout my internship. They have been generous with their time, always willing to answer questions, provide valuable insight, and encourage my professional growth. Their mentorship has made my experience at Marex both rewarding and educational.
What advice would you give to next year’s interns?
Be confident in yourself. Believe in your abilities, ask thoughtful questions, and take advantage of every opportunity to learn. Confidence, combined with a willingness to learn, can leave a lasting impression.
Flash forward 20 years: What does the finance/fintech industry look like?
I think the biggest change will be that finance becomes far more predictive than reactive. As AI automates routine tasks, and processes vast amounts of data in real time, technology will become the baseline rather than the competitive advantage. The firms that succeed won’t simply have the best technology, they’ll combine it with exceptional client relationships, sound judgment, and the ability to provide strategic insight in an increasingly data-driven world.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I like to spend time outdoors, especially hiking, fishing, and hunting. I’m also a big college football fan and enjoy following not only what happens on the field, but also the business side of the sport. When I get the chance, I also stay active by playing basketball and football.
Libby Truong, Onboarding Intern
Briefly describe your academic background and your internship?
I’m a rising senior at Loyola University Chicago majoring in Finance and Information Systems. This summer I’ve been working as an Onboarding Analyst Intern at Marex, where I’ve helped with client onboarding, account maintenance, data cleanup, and process improvement projects. A lot of my work has involved making sure client information is accurate and compliant, while also finding ways to make repetitive tasks more efficient. It’s been a great opportunity to see how many moving pieces go into financial operations and how important accuracy is behind the scenes.
How did you become interested in the finance industry?
I’ve always joked that I got into finance because I like money—but honestly, that’s what first sparked my curiosity. Once I started taking finance classes, I realized it’s really about how businesses, markets, and people make decisions with money, and that fascinated me. I also enjoy solving problems and working with data, so finance felt like a field where I could combine both. The more I’ve learned, the more I’ve realized how many different career paths the industry offers.
What has been the most interesting work you have been involved with this summer?
One of the most interesting projects I worked on was helping clean up and standardize thousands of client account records in PeopleSoft. At first it seemed like a straightforward data cleanup project, but I quickly realized how much impact accurate information has on compliance and daily operations. It also pushed me to think beyond just completing the work—I started looking for ways to automate parts of the process and make it more efficient for the team. It was rewarding to know that even small improvements could save a lot of time in the long run.
What has surprised you about your internship?
I was surprised by how willing everyone was to answer questions and help me learn. Even people outside of my team took the time to explain what they do and how their departments fit into the bigger picture. It made me realize how collaborative workplaces can be. I expected to mostly stay within my own role, but instead I was encouraged to learn about different areas of the business.
Any notable mentors that you’d like to recognize?
I’d definitely like to recognize Jenn Kaiser and Tia France. They both made a real effort to invest in the interns, whether it was offering career advice, creating networking opportunities, or simply taking the time to answer questions. Their encouragement gave me more confidence to step outside of my comfort zone and explore different areas of the business. Having leaders who genuinely care about helping students grow made a huge difference in my internship experience.
What advice would you give to next year’s interns?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they’re basic. Some of the best conversations I had this summer started because I admitted I didn’t know something. I’d also recommend talking to as many people as you can across different departments because you’ll learn just as much from those conversations as you do from your day-to-day work. Finally, be curious—you never know what area of finance might end up being the best fit for you.
Flash forward 20 years: What does the finance/fintech industry look like?
I think AI and automation will handle a lot more of the repetitive work, allowing people to spend more time making strategic decisions and building client relationships. I also think financial services will become even more personalized, with technology helping firms make faster and smarter decisions. At the same time, I don’t think the human side of finance will disappear. Trust, communication, and critical thinking will always be important, even as technology continues to evolve.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I love trying new restaurants and experimenting with recipes at home. I also enjoy going on walks, catching up on my favorite TV shows, and spending time with friends and family. I recently studied abroad in Paris, so I’ve definitely developed a love for exploring new places and different cuisines. For me, it’s all about finding a good balance between staying busy and making time to enjoy the little things.
