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.
Each profile of our “My Summer Internship” series will provide a glimpse into one of these unique experiences and how students applied knowledge from their studies to be successful in the real-world.
McKinley Lynn, class of 2026 entrepreneurship and marketing double major with dual minors in advertising and integrated design, spent his summer as a technology, data & analytics intern at Edge Capital Lending, LLC.
Lerner: How did you find out about this internship? Why did you pursue it?
Lynn: I found out about this internship through Ted Foltyn and the Horn Entrepreneurship Signature Internship Program. I took ENTR 260 with Ted, where I gained valuable skills in enhancing my resume and LinkedIn profile, while being pushed out of my comfort zone to build my network. I pursued this opportunity because my background in technology, entrepreneurship, and marketing, along with hands-on experience in financial services and project management, aligned well with the key responsibilities of this role. I was also drawn to Edge Capital Lending as a ‘disruptive’ institution within the dynamic financial services industry, which fit perfectly with what I was looking for in a challenging and exciting environment. Plus, Edge’s CEO, Meredith Carter, being a UD grad made the opportunity even more appealing!
Lerner: What was the most exciting task or project that you completed?
Lynn: The most exciting project that I completed in this internship was researching our borrowers, connecting with them, learning about their journey, and crafting detailed success stories that will be featured on EdgeCL.com and used in marketing materials. It was fascinating to dive into their files and uncover information related to their growth. I also had the unique opportunity to work with our custom generative AI model, which helped enhance the content. The project was highly collaborative, as I interviewed Portfolio Managers and Business Development Officers to ensure I accurately understood and portrayed each borrower’s story.
Lerner: What did you learn from the internship that you think you would not have learned elsewhere?
Lynn: I gained unique insights into specialty finance, particularly the decision-making process and the science behind it. It was fascinating to explore the analytics side of the business and see how data drives decision-making and enhances efficiency. I also gained exposure to the integration and connectivity of systems like Salesforce, Excel, Power BI, and SQL. Working with Salesforce, including data entry, creating objects, and using applications like Account Engagement, will definitely give me a competitive edge in my career.
Lerner: What is an example of a time where you were able to apply what you’ve learned at Lerner to your role?
Lynn: At Lerner, I gained a strong foundation in Excel, which helped me analyze data during my internship. My familiarity with Salesforce from my role as a Student Experience Assistant at Horn Entrepreneurship allowed me to succeed early on. Additionally, Lerner helped me build confidence in communication and collaboration, which I used when working with colleagues across the company.
Lerner: Did you face any challenges during your internship? If so, what was the issue and how did you overcome it?
Lynn: One of the challenges I faced during my internship was understanding the language and terminology used within the company. It felt like everyone was speaking a different language, especially since I didn’t have much knowledge of finance before starting. For instance, I had never even heard of asset-based lending before the internship. Fortunately, Edge had excellent training materials, and my manager, Joy Hanawa, was incredibly helpful and patient, guiding me through the learning process and making sure I understood the key concepts.
Lerner: What are your career plans, and how do you think the internship will push you closer to your professional goals?
Lynn: While my career plans are still evolving, this internship has shown me the importance of working in a company with a fantastic environment. At Edge, we had collaborative meetings where everyone was encouraged to contribute, as well as educational training sessions, book clubs, and trivia nights. As I search for a full-time role, I’ll be looking for a position that is both challenging, meaningful and within a company that fosters a welcoming atmosphere and a growth mindset.