Finance in His Future

Luka Modebadze ’18 is interning this summer at TBC Bank, one of the largest universal banks in the Republic of Georgia whose activities “encompass nearly every segment, including retail, corporate, investment banking and private wealth management.” His internship is funded by the Sidney and Laura Gilbert Internship Fund, managed by the Career Center.

Modebadze is interning in the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) department of the bank as a business analyst. Along with his supervisors, his primary role is meeting with potential clients and helping them navigate through potential short- and long-term business loans. “In doing so, we take into consideration a client’s financial needs and, thus, tailor our approach accordingly,” he noted. “Furthermore, using both fundamental and technical analysis, I look into client companies’ information with regards to their outstanding or future business loans.” He also participates in risk committee meetings, where he is able to give feedback to senior analysts about ongoing business opportunities.”

For Modebadze, his high level of involvement in the company is one of the best parts of the experience. “I highly value the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in investment decisions and a possibility to express my opinion on briefings,” he said.

Given TBC Bank’s highly respected reputation, it is no surprise that Modebadze “was excited at being part of their team.” He added, “Recently, the country has been in the international spotlight because of favorable business conditions and vigor of emerging markets. Fortunately, via this internship, I have a hands-on experience of market conditions as well as future investment plans.”

However, his interest in this internship was more than the bank’s success in its industry; additionally, TBC is one of the largest benefactors of cultural projects, fine arts and sports in the country. “This emphasis of the organization further drew me to the internship,” he remarked.

Modebadze has found this internship experience to be extremely educational. “From the very first day of the internship, I have been working on various ongoing deals in the department, analyzing prospects and current financial positions of companies. In doing so, I learned about procedures and technicalities of gaining access to capital markets in the country.”

This summer experience is remarkably relevant to Modebadze’s interests. This fall, he will participate in the College’s domestic study abroad program in New York City, focusing on international labor markets and gaining further experience in finance, “preferably in equity research or alternative investments.” The following spring, he plans to study in Beijing and engage in investment research with Whalerock Industries. After graduation, Modebadze plans to earn either an M.B.A. or a master’s degree in public policy before returning to the Republic of Georgia. He concluded, “An internship with TBC Bank is a first exposure to finance and a valuable groundwork experience for my future career.”