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.
Daniel Ruiz Giraldo, Class of 2027, finance and financial planning & wealth management double major, spent his summer as a global markets FICC summer analyst at TD Securities.
Lerner: How did you find out about this internship? Why did you pursue it?
Ruiz Giraldo: I found this opportunity through the Blue Hen Investment Club (BHIC), where UD alumni reached out to us about applying. I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in high finance and, more importantly, be in a relationship-driven job like Sales and Trading (S&T).
Lerner: What was the most exciting task or project that you completed?
Ruiz Giraldo: Through my internship I had to do 5 pitches across each of the desks I rotated through. Particularly for Securitized Products, given it was the biggest challenge and required a lot of time to understand the different products. I had the opportunity to work closely with one of my fellow interns and we were constantly pushing each other to the next level.
Lerner: What did you learn from the internship that you think you wouldn’t have learned elsewhere?
Ruiz Giraldo: I learned the importance of building a plan to achieve your goal, figuring out the steps needed to make it happen, and enjoying the process.
Lerner: What is an example of a time where you were able to apply what you’ve learned at Lerner to your role?
Ruiz Giraldo: I think one of the biggest lessons at Lerner is public speaking. Being involved in several organizations where you are constantly doing it made it easier for me. It helps to build confidence and be a great storyteller for all the pitches I had to do.
Lerner: Did you face any challenges during your internship? If so, what was the issue and how did you overcome it?
Ruiz Giraldo: The biggest challenge of being in a trading floor is reading the room. S&T requires high energy, intensity, and attention to detail. Understand when is the right time to do or say something is fundamental to be successful. You have to be a great observer and listener to be able to adapt to this environment.
Lerner: What are your career plans, and how do you think the internship will push you closer to your professional goals?
Ruiz Giraldo: I will be returning as a full-time analyst at TD Securities and I am excited to pursue a career in S&T. I want to keep learning as much as I can from the markets and continue to foster long term mutually, beneficial relationships.