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.
Wentao Zou, Class of 2026 M.S. in financial service analytics student, spent her summer as a CDA intern at Barclays.
Lerner: How did you find out about this internship? Why did you pursue it?
Zou: Business School’s GIP.
Lerner: What was the most exciting task or project that you completed?
Zou: I’m currently working on a project that involves cross-department collaboration.
Lerner: What did you learn from the internship that you think you wouldn’t have learned elsewhere?
Zou: Barclays’ bank in Wilmington is such a good starting point for me to gain professional experience in the U.S.
Lerner: What is an example of a time where you were able to apply what you’ve learned at Lerner to your role?
Zou: Besides technical skills such as using AI and training AI models, I learn how to face difficulties and seek for other professionals’ help. Thanks to the FSAN program.
Lerner: Did you face any challenges during your internship? If so, what was the issue and how did you overcome it?
Zou: I didn’t have a marketing background before but I need to learn new stuff and technical skills in a very short time. Quite challenging but I have other UD alumni around me to encourage, and support me.
Lerner: What are your career plans, and how do you think the internship will push you closer to your professional goals?
Zou: I didn’t have professional experience in the U.S. bank industry. This internship can equip me with both technical skills and the mindset, which can convince my future employers that I’m able to build my career here.