From First Insights to Lasting Impact: A Reunion of Trunity Hexagon Program Alumni 

Mona Zhang, Edison Long

August 10, 2025

On a warm Sunday afternoon, the 2024 and 2025 cohorts of the Trunity Hexagon Program gathered at Managing Partner Mona Zhang’s home for the Summer-Intern Reunion & Career Lunch-and-Share. The group settled comfortably into Mona’s family room — the air filled with laughter, the aroma of a buffet lunch, and the easy rhythm of conversation between old and new friends.

The Trunity Hexagon Program is designed to empower college students and young professionals with the knowledge, skills, and network to excel in the global business world. Built around the Trunity Hexagon Model™ — an investment framework with six modules: value proposition, business model, competitive advantages, growth opportunity, management quality, and financials — the program blends real-world investment responsibilities, career development consultation, and mentorship from Trunity’s partners. It also emphasizes the firm’s values of curiosity, honesty, and collaboration, with the aim of cultivating well-rounded professionals who will contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future. 


This reunion wasn’t just about catching up. It was structured to help current interns learn from alumni who had walked the same path just a year before — exploring what they had gained from the program, how they applied it after leaving, and what could make the experience even stronger for the next generation. 

 


Breaking Down the Intimidation Factor 


For Angela Ji, now a Sales and Trading Intern at a major Canadian bank and an Economics and Statistics double major at McGill University, the program’s biggest gift was demystifying finance. 


“While investing can seem intimidating with so many numbers and metrics, breaking it down through the Trunity Hexagon Model™ — especially focusing on value proposition and growth opportunities — made it so much simpler. It’s about drilling into why a company will be profitable long-term and where it can grow.” 


Mona nodded in agreement, noting that this was exactly why the model was designed: 

“When I was in school, I learned finance, marketing, and strategy in silos. The Trunity Hexagon Model™ connects those pieces so you can approach any business holistically.” 


Oscar Jiang, currently a Corporate Development Analyst at a Canadian financial services firm and an Honors Business Administration student at Ivey Business School, found his “aha” moment in an unexpected place — analyzing a waste management business. 


“I never thought garbage disposal could be so interesting. Learning about government contracts and competitive advantages in such a niche space really showed me how the Trunity Hexagon Model™ applies anywhere.” 

 


Lessons Beyond the Numbers 


From here, the conversation flowed naturally into how the model had shaped the way alumni think about business. Both Angela and Oscar said the Trunity Hexagon Model™ became a mental toolkit they carried into interviews, presentations, and even personal investment decisions. 


Oscar explained: 


“Once you’ve established the fundamentals from a consumer’s perspective — like why I’d choose Uber over a taxi — you start seeing value propositions and competitive advantages everywhere.” 


Mona added:


“Especially for consumer-facing businesses, you can draw from personal experience. Ask yourself, ‘Why would I choose this product or service over another?’ That’s often the heart of its unique value proposition.” 


What surprised Angela most was the personal investment Mona and Co-Founder Edison Long made in their learning. 


“I thought they’d be too busy running the firm, but they met with us twice a week, gave detailed feedback, and made sure we had the resources to succeed.” 


Oscar echoed the sentiment: “In many roles, you don’t get that kind of handholding. Here, the mentorship was far deeper than I’ve seen elsewhere.” 


Edison pointed out that this structure is intentional:


“We want this to be a program that not only teaches you how to think about investments but also prepares you for the reality of starting your career. That means structured feedback, real responsibility, and plenty of chances to apply what you’ve learned.” 

 


From the Internship to the Job Hunt 


The discussion then turned to how the program experience influenced their career journeys. Angela shared how she applied the Trunity Hexagon Model™ in a stock pitch during an interview. Oscar spoke about using it to evaluate a personal investment. 


When it came to job hunting, Angela’s top advice was simple:


“Tell real stories from your life. If you don’t know something, admit it — but show you’re willing to learn.” 


Oscar added three words to live by: personable, curious, honest.


“People don’t always want to talk about their models and forecasts over coffee. Sometimes they just want to know you as a person.” 


Mona reinforced the point:


“Interviewers can tell if you’re genuinely interested in the work or just saying what you think they want to hear. Be authentic — and remember, it’s also about whether they’d enjoy working with you.” 

 


Setbacks, Resilience, and Perspective 


No career path is free of challenges, and both alumni shared moments when things didn’t go as planned. Angela described missing out twice on a high school mock trial team before finally making it in her last year — a lesson in persistence and the value of feedback. 

Oscar recalled preparing extensively for a highly competitive role only to face silence afterward, a reminder that sometimes outcomes hinge on factors beyond your control. For current interns listening in, these stories underscored the importance of resilience, adaptability, and keeping sight of long-term goals. 

 


Feedback for the Future 


True to Trunity’s value of continuous improvement, the alumni offered constructive suggestions aimed at making the program even more impactful for those in the room. Angela recommended starting job-prep training earlier so interns can align their work with résumé goals from the start. Oscar suggested adding more quantitative valuation work alongside qualitative research. 

Other ideas included: 


  • More mock interviews throughout the internship to track improvement. 
  • Additional networking opportunities, even in smaller, more personal formats. 
  • Optional deep dives into macroeconomic topics to prepare for broader market discussions. 
  • A guided walkthrough of a company’s annual report (10-K) to sharpen financial analysis skills. 


Mona really appreciated the feedback and said she will adjust the program accordingly. 


“If you know from day one what needs to be on your résumé, you’ll be more conscious of how your work connects to your future interviews. And while we may not be a big bank yet, we can still make meaningful introductions and create valuable networking moments.” 

 


The Program’s Enduring Impact 


As the conversation drew to a close, Angela and Oscar reflected on how the Trunity Hexagon Program had shaped them beyond technical skills. Angela, who once saw finance as a “black box,” is now exploring intersections with law, particularly securities law. Oscar sees a wider array of roles in finance beyond buying and selling shares — and values the solid foundation in business fundamentals as a career asset in any path. 


Angela’s reflection: 


“The personal mentorship was almost as valuable as the technical knowledge. It shaped how I approach interviews, business problems, and even self-confidence.” 


Oscar’s takeaway: 


“You’re lucky to be part of this program. It can take you from square one to having a strong, lasting understanding of the business world.” 

 


Looking Ahead 


The 2025 Trunity Hexagon Program is already in full swing, and applications for next year’s cohort are open. Mona Zhang reflects on why the program matters: 


“I’ve always wanted something like this for myself when I was starting out. We created it to give back, to serve the community, and to provide the kind of mentorship and real-world experience that’s often missing at the start of a career. The hope is that this program not only shapes skilled professionals, but also thoughtful leaders who will, in turn, give back.” 


For current interns, the alumni stories weren’t just interesting — they were roadmaps. By learning directly from those who’ve gone before them, they can enter the business world with sharper tools, clearer expectations, and the confidence to keep learning. 


As the afternoon wound down, interns — past and present — lingered in conversation, swapping LinkedIn connections and ideas for the future. It was clear that while the summer internship may last just a few months, the network, skills, and confidence it builds can last a lifetime. 




💬 Key Takeaways from the Trunity Hexagon Program Reunion 


“We created it to give back, to serve the community, and to provide the kind of mentorship and real-world experience that’s often missing at the start of a career.” 
Mona Zhang, Managing Partner 


“We want this to be a program that not only teaches you how to think about investments but also prepares you for the reality of starting your career.” 
Edison Long, Partner 


“You’re lucky to be part of this program. It can take you from square one to having a strong, lasting understanding of the business world.” 
Oscar Jiang, 2024 Alumni 


“The personal mentorship was almost as valuable as the technical knowledge. It shaped how I approach interviews, business problems, and even self-confidence.” 
Angela Ji, 2024 Alumni 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. The views expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of Trunity Partners Ltd. or its affiliates. Any references to specific assets, historical events, or individuals are for illustrative purposes and do not imply endorsement or prediction of future performance. Readers should conduct their own due diligence or consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.