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.
Ian Nicol, Class of 2026 finance and accounting double major, spent his time at UD as a legislative intern in the Office of the House Majority Leader within the United States House of Representatives.
Lerner: How did you find out about this internship? Why did you pursue it?
Nicol: I have always had a strong interest in government and public service, so when I learned about the opportunity to intern in the United States House of Representatives, I knew it would be a great fit. I wanted to see firsthand how our government functions, and this internship gave me the chance to experience the legislative process from the inside. For me, it was a unique path compared to the traditional finance or accounting internship, but it aligned closely with my passion for understanding how policy is shaped and how decisions at the federal level impact people’s lives.
Lerner: What was the most exciting task or project that you completed?
Nicol: One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship was engaging directly with constituents who reached out to the office. I had the opportunity to hear their concerns, research their questions, and provide clear responses that either connected them to the right resources or clarified parts of the legislative process. What stood out to me was how meaningful it felt to help people better understand their government.
Lerner: What did you learn from the internship that you think you wouldn’t have learned elsewhere?
Nicol: One of the most important lessons I took from my internship was how valuable public service can be, both in its impact on people’s lives and in the perspective it gives on decision-making at a national level. As a finance and accounting major, many of my peers gain great experience in the private sector, but this internship gave me something different. It gave me a firsthand look at how policy is shaped and how government serves its citizens, especially by listening to constituents’ concerns and working to provide meaningful responses
Lerner: What is an example of a time where you were able to apply what you’ve learned at Lerner to your role?
Nicol: At Lerner, I’ve learned how to approach problems by breaking them down step by step and by communicating answers clearly. Those skills translated directly to my internship. When constituents reached out with complex questions about legislation or government programs, I researched the issue, identified the key details, and explained the answer in a way that was accurate but easy to understand. That combination of critical thinking and clear communication is something Lerner emphasizes, and it proved to be very valuable in a public service setting.
Lerner: Did you face any challenges during your internship? If so, what was the issue and how did you overcome it?
Nicol: One of the biggest challenges I faced was managing a full course load while commuting back and forth to Washington, D.C. It required a lot of time management and discipline to stay on top of my classes while also giving my best to the internship. Although demanding, it was incredibly rewarding because I knew I was making the most of an opportunity that not many students get to experience.
Lerner: What are your career plans, and how do you think the internship will push you closer to your professional goals?
Nicol: My background in accounting and finance at Lerner has given me a strong foundation in analysis, problem solving, and attention to detail. This internship showed me that my real passion is public service, as I saw firsthand how rewarding it is to be part of our government at the national level and to understand how policy decisions are made. It reinforced my decision to continue exploring politics and public service as a career path, where I can combine my accounting and finance background with a commitment to serving others and make a meaningful impact.