Blog

August 12, 2024 - HighGround was pleased to have four interns with us this summer. We recently sat down, fireside, to learn more about our Investment and Information Systems intern, Dakota Qualls, and his experience working at HighGround.

Where are you from? What school do you attend, and what are you studying?

I'm from Austin, Texas, but originally from Seattle, Washington. I'm studying finance and information technology at Texas Tech University. Growing up, I knew I wanted to get into business - maybe even start my own business - and have some sort of finance career. In high school, I did some programming and coding and thought that was interesting too, so I decided to double major.

What brought you to HighGround?

I was introduced to HighGround at the career fair at Texas Tech. After researching HighGround and meeting [HighGround Director of Information Systems and Security] Nicole Nanson, [HighGround Information Systems Coordinator] Bert Clark, [HighGround Director of Public Markets] Steve Thieme, and [HighGround Director of Human Resources] Carol Nichols throughout the interview process, I figured I'd be exposed to a wide variety of asset classes and this internship would be a good opportunity for me to figure out what path I want to go down, in terms of a career. The company's core values and faith-based mission really resonated with me, too. 

What all did you do in your time here?

I spent the first five to six weeks as an investment intern, and the last few weeks as an information systems intern. Throughout my time here, I had the opportunity to learn about all the different asset classes that HighGround manages, the company's investment strategies, how they mitigate risk through diversification of their portfolio and, ultimately, what it takes for a company to operate efficiently. The main projects I worked on included emerging markets research, compiling and analyzing infrastructure funds, researching private equity, reviewing co-investments, and learning about network security and the future of Artificial Intelligence. 

What have you learned in your time here? What’s been your biggest takeaway?

My biggest takeaway is realizing the importance of company culture, professional development, and doing business with others who share the same goals and values. Getting exposure to different investment strategies, learning from clients or fund managers, and interacting with others in a professional environment have all been beneficial to me as I move into starting my career. 

Everyone here is really nice and eager to help each other out, showing those core values of Client First and Servant-hearted. A lot of companies aren’t like that; HighGround has a unique company culture. There are understanding people here, which is helpful when you’re trying to get work done in a team environment.

What is a favorite moment from your time at HighGround?

Working closely with Steve, [HighGround Director of Private Markets] Philip Godfrey, and the investment team – having exposure to real experts within the realm of public and private equities. Also, working with Bert and Nicole; they're the behind-the-scenes superheroes of HighGround. They taught me a lot about network security and exhibiting the company's core values, like Integrity, in the work they do. They have the keys to the kingdom, and working with integrity and accountability while not overstepping certain boundaries is definitely important. 

I also enjoyed our Monday morning Insights meetings and that we close those in prayer. Finally, just getting to meet everyone here. 

We focus on strengths at HighGround and utilize the CliftonStrengths assessment. What are your top five strengths?

Mine are Futuristic, Learner, Achiever, Strategic, and Ideation.

I think it was really helpful to learn more about myself and how I operate, learning what I'm best at and what types of environments I'd thrive in. It was fun, too. In one team session with our Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, we did a team exercise, imagining we were stranded together on a deserted and considering what we would do to survive. How would we interact and delegate tasks if in that situation? It was cool to see what everyone’s thought process was. You could really see everyone’s strengths shine through.

Knowing your own strengths is helpful, for yourself and for learning how to better cooperate with others in team settings. It helps to understand other people and how they might see things differently than you, but there's always some kind of common ground you can find.

Learner definitely applies to me; I love learning. I had a one-on-one session with our strengths coach, and she walked me through the things I might be good at and the areas where I might struggle more. It was helpful as I consider my career path moving forward.

Which of the HighGround core values resonates most deeply with you and why?

Definitely Servant-hearted. One of my biggest goals in life is to serve and help others, so being able to see that demonstrated in a professional environment has been eye-opening to me. I've enjoyed being part of that sort of culture this summer. That's one of the main things I want to do - whatever career I'm in, I want to be able to help others.

How do you like to spend your time? What are your hobbies or passions?

I like working out, drawing, and playing guitar. I enjoy reading, and I’m a huge mystery thriller movie fan. I like keeping up with the news and learning, in general. I'll go down rabbit holes; I’ll have a random thought and then want to know all about it. 

What does the future hold for you?

Not entirely sure what the future holds, but it holds a lot. I’m finishing up my bachelor’s degree and considering getting an MBA or a master’s in finance or in data science. I’ll be working toward getting my first job. I’m trying to figure out where I want to live. I know I want to work hard and tackle everything one day at a time. This experience has been a blessing and will definitely prepare me for whatever the future holds.