Internship: Corporate Governance Research (Germanic Market)

Job Description

ISS empowers investors and companies to build for long-term and sustainable growth by providing high-quality data, analytics, and insight. We are committed to positively impacting the environment and society through our market-leading solutions and leading by example. Our clients have long turned to ISS to apply their corporate governance views, identify environmental, social, and governance risks, and manage their global proxy voting needs.

Need a refresher on what Corporate Governance and Proxy Voting are?

• Corporate governance is the system by which companies are directed and controlled. Boards of directors are responsible for the governance of their companies. The shareholders’ role in governance is developing continuously with investors increasingly acting as responsible stewards and taking into account a wide range of ESG topics. This may include consideration such as the appointment of directors, approving executive remuneration schemes, M&A, and considerations of companies’ climate transition plans.
• Shareholders are invited by public companies they have shares in to vote on a wide range of topics during annual general meetings. They can delegate their voting power to a representative, who will then be considered a proxy. Here at ISS, we provide the research, insight and recommendations for our client to make informed voting decisions.

Enter the world of corporate governance and responsible investment and jumpstart your career by gaining exposure to the fundamental affairs of businesses and economies on a global scale.

What you will do

ISS seeks a pool of talented and self-motivated research interns for February 2023. Our interns will be assigned to a dynamic regional market (Germanic) and guided by our experienced analysts.

As a Corporate Governance Research Intern, you will become an integral part of the team with the crucial role of helping deliver data, research, and vote recommendations to our clients, that are institutional shareholders. The internship will take place during “proxy voting season.” Our goal is to support our clients in making informed voting decisions on that occasion.

As part of the ISS team, you will, along with others, analyze governance structures and performance of publicly listed companies and provide investors with the appropriate vote recommendations. In addition, you will gather publicly available data from publicly listed companies and engage with them to obtain additional information.

Using the latest technology and analyst expertise on corporate governance, you and the team will prepare reports detailing the analyses and explaining why a particular vote recommendation was given.

What you can expect from us

Our people are the moving force behind ISS. We are dedicated to hiring the best, most talented people in our industry and empowering them with the resources and support to enhance their health, financial and personal wellbeing. We are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. We are invested in our people and are working every day to ensure a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.

• Increase an understanding of relevant technical terminology within the world of corporate governance and responsible investment
• Receive in-depth training to fulfill your career aspirations
• Expand your know-how and contribute significantly to client work
• Make a difference and perform in a workplace of integrity and transparency

This internship will run for 5 months starting in February 2023. Interns are required to be based in the country of employment as of Day 1 of their internship with ISS.

What you will bring to ISS

• A relevant master’s degree in economics, business, finance, law, or political sciences or in the process of obtaining such a degree
• A prior experience in a relevant area will be considered as an advantage
• A strong analytical ability, numeracy, strong oral and written communication skills
• The ability to assimilate large quantities of information, work independently and take initiative while also being a team player
• An organized and structured mind
• Fluent in English (both spoken and particularly written). Professional German skills are considered an advantage, but not a requirement.

Interested in this great learning opportunity?

Apply online by sending your CV in English along with a one-page cover letter. The cover letter should explain why you are interested in corporate governance, in joining ISS and why you are suitable for the role. Applications without a cover letter won’t be taken into further consideration.

Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.