At RF, our internship program integrates students into projects that enrich their understanding of business and finance while simultaneously assisting with the day-to-day tasks of our business. Our Interns gain practical experience and enjoy a supportive learning environment with hands-on skill development and valuable mentorship from our senior team members.
This summer, RF had the pleasure of John Wang and Naman Poddar join our team as 2024 Summer Interns. John is a student at The University of Michigan and will graduate in spring 2026. John was based in our Chicago office. Naman will graduate from Davidson College in 2026 and was a part of our NYC team.
See below for a highlight of Naman and John’s summer experience with the RF Investment Partners’ team!
How has your experience with RF prepared you for your future and the next step in the professional world?
“This summer, I developed a strong foundation in financial modeling by building a mini-LBO and a full LBO from scratch. RF provided hands-on, real-stakes deal analysis and research, which are skills agnostic across the finance industry. Furthermore, my time at RF revealed how the real world operates differently compared to the classroom. For example, I previously viewed financial statements merely as numbers on a screen, but I now understand that every line item has meaning—impacting people, businesses, and operations. There is immense value in understanding the impact the numbers represent.
The RF team, especially Max, played a crucial role in my continuous growth this summer. The skills I developed, as mentioned above, will undoubtedly benefit me in my investment banking internship next summer and beyond.”
– John Wang
“Coming from a liberal arts school like Davidson with relatively limited exposure to business and finance courses and experiences for someone interested in finance, my internship at RF has been transformative. I have not only honed my skills in financial modeling and due diligence but have also gained a deep understanding of the intricacies of private equity and credit practices, including the numerous quantitative and qualitative factors considered in decision-making. This experience has significantly strengthened my foundation and deepened my interest in the industry as I prepare for my investment banking internship next summer.”
– Naman Poddar
What is a key moment from your experience with RF that stood out to you most?
“A key moment from my experience with RF was working on the mini-LBO model about halfway through the internship. Naman and I had questions about the nuances of the capitalization table, operating model, exit analysis, and more. Luke set up meetings for us to bombard him with questions, and he was more than willing to guide us through the steps. Additionally, while working on this project, Max delved deeply into the mechanics and levers of LBOs with me, enhancing my understanding of modeling more than any experience or individual at Michigan. This is just one of many anecdotes that highlight RF’s culture of collaboration, mentorship, and the pursuit of knowledge—one of the many things I love about the firm.”
– John Wang
“While my internship was filled with diverse learning experiences, the culmination of my efforts in completing a full LBO model stands out as pivotal. Progressing from a novice with no real-world modeling experience to building a comprehensive LBO model from scratch, often used to test associate-level candidates in interviews, was incredibly rewarding. The process involved extensive collaboration with associates by going back and forth with questions and patiently guiding us through roadblocks in the process. This ultimately helped me solidify my modeling skills and deepen my understanding of the model’s components and their relevance.”
– Naman Poddar
Would you recommend the RF internship to other individuals?
“Absolutely. The people you learn from and those who surround you play a crucial role in your development as an aspiring finance professional. The entire team at RF is incredibly dedicated to creating an environment where interns learn as much as possible and feel comfortable asking questions. Whenever I asked Max a question, expecting a brief response, he provided an in-depth answer, ensuring I fully understood the concept. My experience at the firm was overwhelmingly positive, and I highly recommend RF’s internship to others.”
– John Wang
“I highly recommend the RF internship. It offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with a supportive team while gaining exposure to actual deals in the lower-middle market. The knowledge and skills acquired are not merely theoretical; they are practical tools that can be directly applied throughout one’s career. The mentorship and collaborative environment at RF have been instrumental in building a strong foundation for my intended career path in finance.”
– Naman Poddar
