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.
Marta Zdanowicz, Class of 2027, marketing and operations management double major with a minor in international business, spent her summer as a supply chain assistant analyst intern at Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
Lerner: How did you find out about this internship? Why did you pursue it?
Zdanowicz: I found out about this internship through Handshake and the A&F website. I always knew that this was such a great company that I always enjoyed shopping at, so my sophomore year, I researched job opportunities that they have. I found that they offer internships in supply chain, which is something that I am very interested in. I pursued this internship because the program provided many opportunities to learn and grow in the fashion retail industry.
Lerner: What was the most exciting task or project that you completed?
Zdanowicz: My primary internship project involved developing an AI-powered PO tracking tool using Microsoft Power Automate, Power Query, and Microsoft Copilot. The solution automated the extraction, standardization, and reporting of shipment data, creating a more efficient and streamlined process for tracking air freight in real time. By reducing manual data processing and improving data visibility, the tool enabled the team to monitor shipments more efficiently and make faster, more informed decisions.
Lerner: What did you learn from the internship that you think you wouldn’t have learned elsewhere?
Zdanowicz: The most valuable lesson I learned during my internship was the importance of building strong relationships with both your team and, most importantly, external partners. Because supply chain is such a technical and interconnected function of a business, my internship showed me how essential it is to establish trust and maintain strong relationships with every partner involved. I learned that effective collaboration and communication are just as important as technical knowledge when it comes to achieving successful outcomes.
Lerner: What is an example of a time where you were able to apply what you’ve learned at Lerner to your role?
Zdanowicz: One of the most valuable lessons I learned during my time at Lerner was how to quickly learn and understand complex processes. I developed this skill through courses in business analytics, operations management, and marketing analytics, which strengthened my ability to analyze information, identify key processes, and apply new concepts effectively. This skill was particularly valuable during my internship, as it allowed me to quickly understand the complexities of the A&F supply chain and apply that knowledge to my project.
Lerner: Did you face any challenges during your internship? If so, what was the issue and how did you overcome it?
Zdanowicz: One challenge I faced during my internship was having no prior experience with Power Automate, the primary program I used throughout my project. While learning the software was initially challenging, I was able to quickly develop proficiency by seeking guidance from my coworkers and leveraging resources such as LinkedIn Learning and AI tools. This experience demonstrated the importance of being adaptable, learning new technologies quickly, and effectively utilizing available resources to overcome challenges.
Lerner: What are your career plans, and how do you think the internship will push you closer to your professional goals?
Zdanowicz: After graduation, I want to work in supply chain at a fashion retail company. This internship allowed me to secure a full-time offer at A&F after graduating from UD.