Navigating Impact: My Summer Internship at Impact Investors Foundation

Hector Bagley

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with the Impact Investors Foundation (IIF), where I immersed myself in impact investing, policy development, and capacity building for financial professionals in Nigeria and beyond. My time at IIF was about gaining professional experience and making a tangible contribution to the organisation's mission of driving sustainable development through impact investing.

As part of my internship, I played a key role in developing the "Impact Investing 101" curriculum, designed to train Nigerian finance professionals, business owners, and the general population on the principles and practices of impact investing. This curriculum will be a crucial tool for building the capacity of local stakeholders to engage with and benefit from impact investments, ultimately contributing to economic and social development in Nigeria.

Attending the Africa Impact Conference in Nairobi was a highlight of my internship. I was privileged to meet and network with inspiring individuals who positively impact the continent. The experience gave me valuable insights into the global and local effects of investing landscapes and allowed me to bring back fresh ideas to inform my work at IIF.

Hector with the IIF Team

My internship also involved providing training in data analysis to the research team and assisting with the review of the M&E LogFrame, ensuring that our impact measurement tools were robust and aligned with best practices. These experiences enhanced my technical skills and deepened my understanding of how data-driven decision-making can improve the effectiveness of impact investments.

Challenges overcome and lessons learned

One of the main challenges I faced was navigating the complexities of policy development in a rapidly evolving field like impact investing. However, this challenge also presented an opportunity to learn about the intricacies of policy advocacy and the importance of stakeholder engagement in driving legislative change.

Through my work on the Nigeria Office for Philanthropy and Impact Investing Bill, I gained invaluable insights into the process of policy development and the role of impact investing in shaping sustainable development.

Another challenge was managing the fast-paced environment and the diverse range of tasks that came with the internship. From attending high-level meetings to developing detailed curricula and conducting data analysis, the experience taught me the importance of adaptability, time management, and effective communication.

Memorable moments

One of my most memorable internship moments was attending the Africa Impact Conference in Nairobi, Kenya. Meeting so many people dedicated to positively impacting the continent was incredibly inspiring and reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in impact investing.


This internship experience was supported by the INSEAD Hoffmann Institute Impact Internship Stipend and gifts from alumni.