Throughout the summer and 2025-26 school year, students in UD’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics are comprising the initial class of the Lerner Co-op Program, a new year-long work-based learning initiative launched with a grant from the Delaware Workforce Development Board.
The program is an exclusive one-year, paid internship/co-op opportunity designed for rising juniors and seniors enrolled in Lerner College to gain meaningful work experience, develop their professional network, and apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. All while earning credits toward their degree and receiving monetary compensation from their employers.
Kaylee Chau, a senior business analytics major, is serving as a data product solutions intern for JPMorganChase. In this Q&A, she details what she has learned and challenges she has faced in his role.
What made you want to apply for the Lerner Co-op Program?
Chau: I wanted to apply for the Lerner Co-op Program as I thought it would be a great opportunity to get some experience in the field. The program offers the chance to work on real projects and learn first-hand from professionals which is something you don’t typically learn or get from the classroom.
How did you learn about the opportunity, and what was the application process like?
Chau: I learned about this opportunity through a friend. My application process was a bit different as I applied while I was studying abroad in Madrid, Spain. Nonetheless, the Career Services Center made this process very seamless as I was able to meet with the necessary people and get all my requirements done through Zoom.
What drew you to your specific co-op placement? Was it aligned with your major or career interests?
Chau: I was specifically drawn to this placement as JPMorganChase is a very large and prestigious banking company. Additionally though, the role aligned exactly with my major and minor educational path. I’m currently a Business Analytics Major with a concentration in Finance and double minors in Management Information Systems and International Business!
Can you describe your co-op experience so far? What kind of projects or responsibilities have you taken on?
Chau: My experience so far has been very insightful yet fun. I fortunately was placed on a very inviting and dynamic team so being able to learn from them these past few weeks has been exciting. My team primarily sits on the data governance side, so I have been learning more about that while also building out my dashboard for JPMC’s peer recognition program.
What have you learned on the job that you don’t think you could have picked up in a classroom?
Chau: One of the most valuable things I’ve learned on the job at JPMorganChase is how to manage my time effectively. In school, deadlines are usually well defined and spaced out, but in the workplace and specifically in this role I’ve learned that priorities can shift quickly and guidelines can change. This has allowed me to learn how to adapt, reprioritize and stay organized while juggling multiple responsibilities. Additionally, this role has helped improve my interpersonal skills. Between working with my team and networking with others, I’ve learned how to communicate clearly and effectively while also building relationships.
What are you most looking forward to in your position?
Chau: I’m looking forward to continuing to grow both technically and professionally by working on real life projects and learning from professionals in the field. Stepping into this role has definitely challenged me, but if anything that is the best way to learn in my opinion!
What kind of support or mentorship have you received from your employer and Lerner so far?
Chau: I’ve received tremendous support from both JPMorganChase and Lerner. My managers and team members have been incredibly helpful, not only in guiding me through my projects, but also in helping me navigate the corporate environment as a whole. As for Lerner they have also been nothing but supportive throughout this whole process and are always willing to answer questions.
How do you think this experience will inform your future career goals/aspirations?
Chau: This experience has helped me better understand how my interests fit into real world roles of finance and data. It has shown me the impact of data driven work and has confirmed that I enjoy working in analytics. Overall, this internship has helped shape and clarify my career goals as this is something I can see myself doing in the long term future.
What would you tell other students who are considering applying for the co-op program?
Chau: I’d definitely encourage other students to apply. It’s such a great way to get real experience, build confidence, and figure out what kind of work you enjoy. You learn so much that you wouldn’t in a classroom and it’s a very valuable experience with lessons that you’ll carry with yourself throughout your whole career.
How do you think this program reflects on Lerner’s commitment to career readiness and experiential learning?
Chau: I think this program really shows how committed Lerner is to helping students be career ready. They don’t just focus on academics but they also actively support opportunities for students to gain real world experience. The program itself is also continuously evolving, creating new pathways for students to connect with employers, explore different industries, and build skills that truly prepare them for the workforce.
What has been the biggest surprise, challenge, and/or unexpected aspect of the co-op experience so far?
Chau: I’d say the biggest challenge so far in my internship experience has been my main project. My managers assigned me a project using a software that neither they nor I have used before, so there was definitely a learning curve. They connected me with people across the company who were more familiar with it, but it was up to me to take the initiative with setting up calls, asking the right questions, and teaching myself how to use it. It’s been a lot of independent work, which was intimidating at first, but being thrown in the deep end has really pushed me to grow. While it’s still challenging, it’s also been incredibly rewarding to build something from scratch and see my progress.