Acuity Trading was thrilled to welcome Ben van de Putten for a work experience placement as part of his academic journey. A Politics and International Relations student at Northeastern University, Ben is pursuing dual degrees through a unique programme that divides his time between London and Boston. With a background spanning The Netherlands, China, and Spain, Ben brings a global perspective to everything he does—a quality that has already proven invaluable during his time with us.
A Global Perspective Meets Cutting-Edge Finance
Ben’s multicultural upbringing and academic focus on international politics give him a nuanced understanding of global dynamics—a perspective he’s eager to leverage in the fast-paced, data-driven world of financial analysis and fintech. His interest in how politics and markets intertwine has made his placement with Acuity particularly relevant.
“I’ve always found the intersection of politics and financial markets fascinating. Working at Acuity has deepened my understanding of how political events shape market behaviour and vice versa. The sheer amount of data available through tools such as AnalysisIQ is astonishing, and the way it’s synthesised with AI and human expertise is unlike anything I’ve experienced before.”
Learning Through Hands-On Experience
During his internship, Ben has been working on a Competitor Analysis project, collaborating closely between the Spain and London team to gain insight into Acuity’s unique approach to market intelligence. This project involves analysing the competitive landscape, leveraging Acuity’s tools and methodologies to provide actionable insights. He presented his findings to the wider team on Friday, 31st January, showcasing what he’s learned during his placement.
As part of his preparation for the work placement at Acuity Trading, in December 2024 Ben completed the Bloomberg Finance Fundamentals course, an interactive e-learning programme designed to introduce the core principles of finance and investment. The course not only helped him understand financial concepts but also offered a glimpse into various career paths within the sector.
The Acuity Difference
One of the standout elements of Ben’s experience has been Acuity’s company culture.
“The hybrid working model and the ‘adult rules’ approach make Acuity such a positive environment to work in. It’s a place where you’re trusted to manage your own time and responsibilities, which I find incredibly motivating.”
Ben has also benefited from mentorship under Giles Hodgson, who has provided guidance on navigating the complexities of the financial world. This mentorship has further enriched his understanding of how Acuity integrates AI-driven solutions, big data, and human analysis to provide clients with actionable insights.
A Bright Future in Finance and Politics
Ben’s passion for politics and international relations aligns seamlessly with Acuity’s mission of turning vast amounts of data into actionable insights. His placement has provided a valuable opportunity to explore how global political events impact financial markets, and how advanced tools like Acuity’s Economic Calendar can make sense of these complex interactions.
Looking ahead, Ben is set to complete his fourth year at Northeastern University in Boston, continuing to refine his understanding of international relations and its connection to finance and entrepreneurship. His time at Acuity has not only deepened his interest in these areas but has also given him the tools to pursue a dynamic career at the intersection of politics, markets, and innovation.
At Acuity Trading, we value the fresh perspectives and diverse backgrounds that interns like Ben bring to the team. His curiosity, analytical mindset, and commitment to learning have made a significant impact during his time with us. We look forward to seeing how his journey unfolds and are confident that he will go on to make (data) waves in whichever path he chooses.
For more information about Acuity’s innovative blend of AI, data, and human expertise, or to enquire about work placements visit www.acuitytrading.com.
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