This summer, students from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics discovered new avenues for professional preparation and practical hands-on experience. Lerner College students pursued an array of internships, externships and other professional development opportunities. From MBA scholars to undergraduates entering their second year at UD, students across a spectrum of Lerner programs shared their experiences accomplishing an assortment of projects.
Our “My Summer Internship” series highlights these unique experiences, showcasing how students translated classroom knowledge into real-world success.
Blake Liptrot, Class of 2027 international business major, spent her summer global finance & business management summer analyst at JPMorgan Chase.
Lerner: How did you find out about this internship? Why did you pursue it?
Liptrot: I found the internship through my connections in Women in Business Club. I was excited about the chance to work at JPMorgan Chase, and see what a career in finance could look like for me.
Lerner: What was the most exciting task or project that you completed?
Liptrot: I helped analyze budgets across more than seven product areas and identify significant overspend ahead of a budget pass! It was exciting to see my work contribute to real conversations about spending and business priorities, and know that my analysis had meaning.
Lerner: What did you learn from the internship that you think you would not have learned elsewhere?
Liptrot: I learned how much teamwork goes into financial decisions at a large company. Seeing finance, product, and technology teams work together brought the concepts I’ve studied to life!
Lerner: What is an example of a time where you were able to apply what you’ve learned at Lerner to your role?
Liptrot: I put my analytical skills to work by reviewing budgets and investigating discrepancies in Excel. My experience with group projects and leading the Women in Business RSO helped me feel more comfortable sharing ideas and collaborating with my team.
Lerner: Did you face any challenges during your internship? If so, what was the issue and ow did you overcome it?
Liptrot: Working through inconsistent budget data was challenging, especially while learning new systems. I helped resolve discrepancies and created a master file to keep information organized. It was rewarding to turn confusing data into something useful for the team!
Lerner: What are your career plans, and how do you think the internship will push you closer to your career goals?
Liptrot: I’m excited to return to JPMorgan Chase as a full-time analyst in the GFBM Program after graduating in 2027! This summer helped me feel more confident in my career direction, and I’m looking forward to building on the skills and relationships I developed.