Introduction
Hi! My name is Rik Abels, and I grew up in the Netherlands. I came to the U.S. for college in 2017 and graduated from Dartmouth College in 2021 with a double major in Economics and Government and a minor in Middle Eastern Studies. After graduating, I moved to Washington, D.C. For the past three years, I have been working in mergers and acquisitions, advising clients on all facets of the M&A process. In my spare time, I enjoy playing tennis, going to the gym, and reading political thrillers.
Growing up around small businesses, I’ve always admired the passion and the hard work that goes into running and growing a company. I’ve also always been interested in politics, policy, and diplomacy. In college, I was able to combine those fields by majoring in Economics and Government. Through my work for the Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Public Policy and The John Sloan Dickey Center for International Understanding I was able to not only study the academic sides of these fields, but also continue to learn and apply my skills outside of the classroom.
During college, I had the opportunity to work for various trade associations and intern in the Senate, again combining my interest in economics and business with my passion for policy and government. After college, I decided to focus on the world of finance, working as a mergers & acquisitions advisor, working with private equity and other clients to help find them exciting acquisition targets and guide them through the entire transaction process.
Finance Fellow
career options
Finance Fellow
skills
What are the main hard skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
Being able to understand and analyze financial information such as profit and loss statements and balance sheets is essential in analyzing a company’s potential for investment. A solid grasp of these concepts – for example, how to calculate EBITDA – is crucial in identifying the right companies that clients are looking for. My economics classes in college provided me with a great foundation that I use in my job today.
In most roles in finance, you will have to analyze (and often write) technical and complex documents pertaining to your industries and the companies you work with. Being able to quickly learn technical concepts and write about them in a clear and succinct way will help you grasp and communicate important ideas efficiently. I took this course in college that particularly helped me develop this skill!
Financial modeling and data analysis more broadly are at the heart of investment strategies and decisions. The ability to not only analyze a company based on its data, but also to use that information to inform investment guidance and decisions (for example, to present a valuation) will serve you well. I learned a lot of this through my work in college, but there are also great online courses available to further your skills in this area.
What are the main soft skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
No matter how good your analytical skills are, an idea or concept is only as good as your ability to articulate it! I work closely with buyer clients and potential sellers every day, and the capacity to interact with them via email, over the phone, and in person, is fundamental to building long-lasting relationships and trust. Effective communication can be learned and practiced in many different ways, but its importance cannot be overstated!
It probably comes as no surprise that solid writing skills are essential (this goes for just about any industry!). My role is very client facing and being able to write concise and effective emails and reports is essential. Getting the content right is very important of course, but don’t forget about the way you deliver the information.
The financial industry is a fast-paced world. In my role, I’m constantly working on multiple pieces of the puzzle at the same time, and you need to be able to switch from one task to another quickly, without losing sight of the bigger picture. But don’t worry, the more you do it, the better you get at it!
Rik
’s personal path
Tell us about your personal journey in
Finance Fellow
:
My journey into the financial world might have been a bit of an unusual one. I didn’t do the conventional finance internships in college that you might associate with someone who ends up in finance; my internship experience was mostly on the government and policy side. However, I would argue that this has actually given me a very valuable perspective. The further into my Economics major I got, the more I realized that I wanted to be involved in the investment process in one way or another. I started exploring what options were out there, and I soon found that the field of mergers & acquisitions is an exciting space with lots of interesting work to be done.
When I found out about an up-and-coming boutique M&A advisory firm, my interest was piqued. I liked the prospect of working for a smaller firm with more of a startup feeling, while covering major deals with well-established clients. After numerous rounds of technical and behavioral interviews, I was excited to be chosen for the role. Ever since, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with buy-side clients to help them find the right companies for their specific strategies.
Looking back, I realize that one of the most important things you can do is to follow your curiosity. Speaking with people who are in the industry will help you find out what roles are a good fit for you. Asking questions and trying to learn as much as possible will get you closer to finding out what you are truly excited about.
What would you tell your younger you regarding building your current career?
Don’t be afraid to pursue your passions, no matter what they are! While it’s important to be strategic and intentional, I believe that you are going to be most successful when you love what you do. Some people might already know what that is, but many are still searching. Through my academics, internships, and other activities, I had the opportunity to explore a broad spectrum of fields and have a wide variety of experiences. If you can, try to explore different things and pursue different experiences. Careers are rarely linear. Don’t worry if you haven’t found what you want to do or be. College is a great time to figure out what you love (and what you don’t, which is just as important!). Have an open mind, and your passions will turn into opportunities.
Final thoughts & tips
The transition from college into “the real world” can be a daunting prospect, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to expand your mind. The world of finance is an exciting field, and if you’re even remotely interested in it, I would encourage you to explore it further and see if you can find an area that you are truly passionate about. Most importantly, stay true to yourself and ask as many questions as you can. If you’ve already found your passion, great. If you haven’t, don’t worry; it’s only a matter of time until you find something you are truly excited about.
Resources to dig in more
Morning Brew
The Morning Brew newsletter delivers a quick, engaging summary of the day's top business and tech news, tailored for young professionals. Its witty tone and concise format make complex topics easily digestible, keeping readers informed and entertained. It’s a fun way to start the day while getting up to speed on relevant topics.
ChannelE2E
ChannelE2E is a newsletter that provides the latest news, trends, and insights specifically for the IT channel, focusing on managed services, technology partnerships, and M&A activity. It aims to equip IT professionals and business leaders with actionable intelligence to navigate the evolving landscape of the technology industry. I use this resource in my work quite often!
PitchBook
PitchBook is a financial data and software company that provides comprehensive information on private equity, venture capital, and M&A transactions. Its platform offers detailed insights, analytics, and reporting tools that help professionals make informed investment decisions and stay updated on market trends. There is a ton to learn here, so I encourage you to check it out.
