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.
Katie Wywoda, Class of 2027, business analytics major with a concentration in finance, spent her summer at JPMorganChase.
Lerner: How did you find out about this internship? Why did you pursue it?
Wywoda: I found out about this internship by searching for roles on the JPMorganChase Early Careers website, and I pursued the role because I was excited by the opportunities that the program allowed me to explore.
Lerner: What was the most exciting task or project that you completed?
Wywoda: I was able to complete a high-impact inventory cleansing project, which culminated in a presentation to my Managing Director, Executive Director, and Direct Manager. The internship-long project allowed me to gain experience in data cleaning, spry learning, and strong professional communication skills.
Lerner: What did you learn from the internship that you think you wouldn’t have learned elsewhere?
Wywoda: At my internship, one skill I learned that I believe I wouldn’t have learned anywhere else is the value of curiosity. At JPMorganChase, leadership prides themselves on the firm’s ability to innovate, which stems from the creativity and progressive mindsets of their employees, which gave me the freedom and encouragement to seek feedback proactively and ask any questions I may have had.
Lerner: What is an example of a time where you were able to apply what you’ve learned at Lerner to your role?
Wywoda: In my role, I was able to utilize my Elevator Pitch that I worked to develop in HOSP230, Executive Presentations. The brief and robust explanation of myself, my involvements, and my career aspirations was utilized very frequently this summer to introduce myself to other employees and interns I had the opportunity to network with.
Lerner: Did you face any challenges during your internship? If so, what was the issue and how did you overcome it?
Wywoda: Some of the challenges I faced during my summer with JPMorganChase included growing to understand the overarching organizational structure of the firm and finding my place within my team. As time went on, my questions and uncertainties were answered on their own, which taught me the value of being okay with uncertainties while striving to eliminate them.
Lerner: What are your career plans, and how do you think the internship will push you closer to your professional goals?
Wywoda: After graduation, I will be returning to JPMorganChase as a full-time Global Finance & Business Management Analyst, which will allow me to continue to build on the skills I developed this past summer and grow into a more well-rounded and esteemed professional!