Scholar interview – Q&A with Jasmine Hockey

Jasmine is a student at the University of Queensland, who completed an internship at Pinnacle Affiliate, Antipodes.

What led you to your internship and application for the scholarship?

I was in my second year of a Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics at the University of Queensland when I received an email encouraging female students to apply for the Pinnacle Women in Finance Scholarship. Through university networking events and conversations with past UQ recipients, I learned about the opportunity to gain meaningful exposure to investment management through a Pinnacle Affiliate. After completing the application process, I was fortunate to be selected and am grateful for organisations like Pinnacle that are genuinely invested in helping young women learn, grow, and feel supported as they explore careers in finance.

What has this scholarship meant to you?

This scholarship has given me access to opportunities that would otherwise have been difficult to obtain. The internship allowed me to gain first-hand industry experience, apply university theory in a professional setting, and significantly broaden my understanding of finance and investment management. It has also enabled me to build connections with industry professionals and learn directly from experienced investors. The financial support has also made it possible for me to pursue a semester abroad, which I see as an invaluable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of global markets and develop valuable life skills whilst being immersed in another culture.

What do you think can be done to encourage more women into the finance industry?

Greater visibility of female role models, especially in senior and leadership positions would encourage more women to pursue careers in finance. Exposure through scholarships, internships and networking events would help inspire more women to enter the industry, by making it known that gender is not a barrier to success in the finance industry. Programs like Pinnacle’s play a critical role by not only providing practical experience, but also mentorship, encouragement and a strong support network.

Can you tell us a bit about your internship?

I completed my internship at Antipodes within the Emerging Markets team, where I worked as an investment management analyst. During my four weeks I was given a project focusing on the Philippines consumer sector. This involved analysing the macroeconomic conditions such as inflation and political risk, and determining how these factors influence consumer behaviour, including down-trading, price sensitivity, and demand for value products.

After completing my industry research, I developed an investment case on Century Pacific Foods, building a valuation using trading multiples and scenario analysis which improved my financial modelling skills. My internship experience felt meaningful as I was given the opportunity to present my stock pitch to portfolio managers and investment analysts which contributed to active portfolio discussions, potentially to be used in the Antipodes Emerging Markets fund.

Being able to join calls with sell-side analysts and company investor relations gave me real insight into how investment decisions are made in practice. Additionally, the team at Antipodes was incredibly supportive, approachable, and welcoming, encouraging me to ask questions and discuss ideas which helped me develop analytical, communication and critical-thinking skills.

Where to from here for your studies and career

My internship at Antipodes has consolidated my interest in finance and my future career in the industry. During the remaining two years of my degree, I hope to gain further practical experience complementing my studies while continuing to explore opportunities within investment management.

Antipodes Partners Limited (‘Antipodes’) (ABN 29 602 042 035 , AFSL 481 580) is the investment manager of the Antipodes Emerging Markets Fund (ARSN 096 451 393) (the ‘Fund’). Pinnacle Fund Services Limited (‘PFSL’) (ABN 29 082 494 362, AFSL 238 371) is the product issuer of the Fund. Securities mentioned in this article are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold.