Summer of 2023 Internship Group at Fidelity Investments
Reece Smith ’24 is a rising senior majoring in Economics and minoring in Mathematics with a concentration in Law & Policy. This summer, Reece is a Corporate Risk Intern for Fidelity Investments at the corporate office in Merrimack, New Hampshire.
We asked Reece…
How did you find your summer internship?
I found my internship by going directly through Fidelity’s career page. I highly recommend going directly to the career sites of companies you are interested in working for. It saves a lot of the time that it takes to tailor search parameters and dig through results.
What are your duties?
As a Corporate Risk Management Intern, I work on the risk assessment team, and in this role I am responsible for 3 risk assessments, which involves checking with other associates to make sure the controls are being followed, and conducting tests to measure the effectiveness of the control. Along with that, I create surveys used by my team members for their assessment. I serve on the focus group for the internal website for the Legal, Risk, and Compliance department that will host many resources that aid in risk assessments.
On the lighter side, I volunteered to be the LRC’s point of contact for the interns in our department, assisting in relaying information to others and organizing events for us to attend and get to know each other. I recently organized a Ping Pong tournament!
Would you recommend this experience to other students?
I highly recommend this internship to my fellow students; Fidelity has a great, relaxed corporate culture, they will invest into developing your skills, and is growing fast. It looks like they’ll hire interns who are rising seniors.
What other activities are you involved in on campus?
I am a Center for Business and Economics Fellow, A Don Lavoie Fellow with the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, CFO for Allegheny’s Student Managed Investment Fund, Program Director for Allegheny’s College Radio Station, Treasurer for the Allegheny Ghost Club, and a member of the Omicron Delta Epsilon (Economic Honor Society), the Egg Detectives (Improv Troupe), and the Fencing Club.
The Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business and Economics (CBE) prepares Allegheny College students to succeed in a diverse, global economy.
Zula Stenger ’25 is pursuing a major in business with a focus in marketing and double minors in political science and studio art. Inspired by Rebecca Oliver, Professor of Political Science along with her studies in Business and Economics, Zula travelled abroad to Sweden to an inclusive experience that combines classroom work with research and field study. We asked Zula:
How did you discover your summer experience?
I always knew I wanted to spend time abroad during my college career, which prompted me to join Global Citizen Scholars. This cohort program encourages students to take a global approach to learning, and helps students to pay for time abroad. After taking a course in political science with Professor Oliver on welfare states, I developed a keen interest in learning more about welfare systems, and how welfare policies can impact the economy.
For my senior comp, I plan to conduct a comparative study on Sweden and the US to determine if generous welfare policies, particularly regarding child care, have acted as a stabilizing force for the Swedish economy in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Given my research interests, I felt it would be hypocritical to study without firsthand experience of life in Sweden. Therefore, at the beginning of the spring 2023 semester, I embarked on a search for any possible means to visit Sweden. After conducting some research, I came across DIS, a non-profit study abroad foundation. DIS offers semester, academic year, and summer programs taught in English featuring a broad curriculum enriched by experiential learning components. DIS appeared to be the perfect opportunity for me to engage meaningfully with Swedish culture and facilitate personal growth both as a scholar and an individual.
What were your activities during this experience?
During my summer with DIS, I am enrolled in two courses that I believe will satisfy requirements for my major and minor fields of study. The first course that I took was “Storytelling through Photography,” and the second course, “Comparative Economics: Global Risk and European Responsiveness,” both span a duration of three weeks, with three hours of class time each day from Monday to Friday.
Zula with her Comparative Economics class at the headquarters of the Agricultural Cooperative of Pistachio Producers of Aegina in Greece
Zula with her photography class partaking in a Swedish custom called Fika
Storytelling through Photography
In my photography class, the professor prioritized providing us with firsthand experiences, moving beyond the mere technical focus often found in introductory classes. We had the opportunity to visit various museums, with my favorite being Fotografiska, Stockholm’s photography museum. This experience allowed us to practice interpreting and critiquing art. Our assignments involved creating a portrait series that emphasized finding meaning through expression and framing. Moreover, this class allowed me to engage with Swedish individuals, using photography as a medium to better understand them.
Comparative Economics
My second course, Comparative Economics, aligns perfectly with my research interests. It has been an exceptional learning experience, delving into the factors that shape a nation’s response to crises. We examine economic systems, resource allocation processes, forms of government, policies and regulations (and their beneficiaries), market organization, trade agreements, alliances, and developmental capabilities. This course highlights the significance of studying comparative economics and its role in comprehending and navigating the complexities of the economy.
Study Tour to Greece
During the course, we had the remarkable opportunity to embark on a study tour to Greece, led by our Greek professor. This trip provided a firsthand view of the effects of the Greek crisis and the resulting socio-economic landscape. We had the privilege to meet and interact with various individuals, including a farmer, a businessman, a doctor, and a board member of the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund. Such encounters added depth to our understanding of the Greek situation and broadened our perspectives on real-world economic challenges.
Would you recommend this experience to other students?
The learning opportunities I have encountered have surpassed all my expectations. The DIS program offers a diverse selection of fields to study and provides flexible options that cater to individual preferences. I wholeheartedly recommend Stockholm and this program to anyone interested in studying abroad. Additionally, for those, like myself, who prefer not to be away for an entire semester, the summer program proves to be an excellent choice.
What other activities are you involved in on campus?
In the upcoming fall semester, I am honored to have been selected as the Head Resident Assistant (RA) of Shultz Hall on campus. Additionally, I will be serving as a Fellow for the Business and Economics Department, which marks my first semester in this role. I am excited to continue my involvement with the Women in Business and Economics Club as the President. I also aspire to revitalize the College Democrats organization, encouraging students to actively engage in local politics. Furthermore, I am eager to maintain my personal connections with the city government and contribute to the upcoming fall city council election.
The Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business and Economics (CBE) prepares Allegheny College students to succeed in a diverse, global economy.
Members of the Board of Visitors on campus during the spring 2023 semester from left: President Ron Cole, Devone McLeod ’13 (Co-Chair), Anne Linaberger ’84, Anne Gearan ’85, Evelyn Pendleton ’87, Trish Lawless ’92, Lauren Odrechowski ’10, Eileen Webb ’06, Diane Sutter ’72 (Chair), Assistant Professor Tim Bianco, Stuart Armstrong ’81, Professor Tom Nonnenmacher, Naveed Ismail ’12; missing: Stacy Corbin ’89
When the arrival of the Board of Visitors is announced each spring, many students ask “who are the Board of Visitors?”…but what they are actually thinking is “what does that mean to me?,” “do I have to go?” and most importantly, “can I get extra credit?”
The real answer to all of these questions is that students who participate in the Board of Visitors day of activities come away with actionable information about how to approach getting the most out of their time at Allegheny, and starting a satisfying career. They make valuable connections and learn what’s happening in the real world outside the classroom.
Here’s what happens
Each year, members of the 20 member alumni Board arrive in Meadville to engage with students in a variety of activities. The programming is designed to help students use their college experience to achieve their career goals, and investigate trending topics in employment, economics and work/life balance.
According to CBE Co-Director and Asst. Professor of Economics, Timothy Bianco, “members of the Board of Visitors serve a three-year term with the possibility of reappointment to two additional terms. The Board of Visitors members were students themselves, and now understand what they wish they knew before starting their careers. “
He continued, “Devone McLeod, the Vice Chair of the Board of Visitors and the upcoming 2023 Executive in Residence, suggested that we consider a new set of topics for the morning symposium for 2023. We tasked the CBE Fellows, the Women in Business and Economics Club, and the Wealth Management Club with choosing original topics, and it was a huge success. Next year, we’ll continue to rely on feedback from students and Board of Visitors members to guide these topics.”
The day is divided into three main events, each designed to capture opportunities for alumni/student engagement and learning.
Morning, the Symposium
This year’s symposium featured a variety of topics:
Determining your Strengths and Utilizing them in the Workplace,
Breaking barriers: Navigating the Job Search to find an Inclusive Workspace (chosen by the Women in Business and Economics Club),
How to Cope and Be Smart with your First Salary, (chosen by the Wealth Management Club), and
Transitioning from College to Career.
Noon, the Networking Lunch
The Board then re-convened in the Tillotson Room in the Tippie Alumni Center for a popular lunch with students that combines good food with good conversation and a “speed networking” session managed by the CBE Fellows.
Individual Board members are invited to host a table; in turn, they introduce themselves to students and let them know something about their professional lives and their career paths. After introductions, the students in attendance rotate in small groups around each table, getting the opportunity to practice their elevator speech and make connections with board members.
Afternoon, the Executive Roundtable
Global news and events swirled around the 2022/2023 academic year leading Diane Sutter, Board of Visitors Chair, and CBE Co-Director, Tim Bianco, to re-imagine the Executive Roundtable as three distinct panel discussions with three specific topics:
How have Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Initiatives Affected the Business Landscape?
Global Economic Outlook: Soft or Hard Landing?
How has Generation Z Changed the Workplace?
At the end of this year’s event, students knew not only who the Board of Visitors are, but how much there is to learn about the real world outside of the classroom. Our special thanks to the Board of Visitors for participating in this high energy schedule of events.
Learn more about the Board of Visitors and who is currently serving on the Board here.
The Board of Visitors annual event is supported by the Earl W. Adams, Jr. Endowment, established by Allegheny College Trustee William H. Brown, Jr., Allegheny Class of 1980, in honor of Professor Earl William Adams, Jr. – teacher, mentor and friend.
Keith and Beth White ’83, 2023 Executives in Residence, gather with students after the traditional networking lunch
Keith and Elizabeth McCullough White ’83 journeyed to campus to become this year’s Business and Economics Executives in Residence. The 1983 graduates shared with students, faculty and staff on the ups and downs of managing their work/life balance throughout their 40 year marriage all while navigating their professional careers.
The Whites spoke to classes in both the Business and Economics and Biology Departments, met with the CBE Fellows, Wealth Management and Women in Business and Economics Clubs, and presented a Lunchtime Learning Lecture entitled, “Using Our Liberal Arts Experience to Build Successful Executive Careers Together.”
During their presentation, the Whites left students with these suggestions for business and personal success:
Take advantage of every opportunity,
Push yourself academically,
Don’t let your studies get in the way of your education — get involved on campus,
Work for a small struggling company because you can learn a lot,
Learn something about project management, and
Make the best choices for you and your family.
CBE Fellow Andrew Strobel ’24 commented, “The Whites were super interesting, and I really appreciated the opportunity to meet and engage with them over their visit.” Fellow Rutendo Mavunga ’24 added, “It was lovely to meet Keith and Elizabeth White.”
2023 Executives
Elizabeth (Beth) McCullough White ’83, Ph.D. is a highly experienced and entrepreneurial biopharmaceutical C-level executive with a unique blend of business and scientific experience, and a diverse skill set gained through leadership roles covering corporate strategy and operations, business development, drug development, commercial planning and development, global brand management, communications, program and portfolio management, and intellectual property strategy in start-up to large companies.
Keith R. White ’83 has 30 years of experience in financial services with TD Bank, PNC Bank and Citibank, along with an “informative” five-year detour with a start-up. As an SVP at TD Bank, he leveraged his expertise in combining traditional commercial lending and credit with new age risk management practices in modeling and data governance to deliver on complex and high-profile projects and positions. Keith’s PNC Bank experience was primarily on the credit side of commercial lending with concentrations in Large Corporate, Media and Communications Finance./
The Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business and Economics (CBE) prepares Allegheny College students to succeed in a diverse, global economy. The Executive in Residence program is designed to connect Allegheny students and faculty with prominent business executives who spend several days on the Allegheny campus speaking about their life experiences in business, paths to success and lessons learned
Omicron Delta Epsilon (ODE) is the international honor society in the field of economics. The primary purpose of ODE is to recognize outstanding academic achievement in economics, especially at the undergraduate level.
How do students qualify?
Students are invited to join the society each Spring if they meet the academic criteria set by the international organization. The minimum requirements for admission are completion of 12 credit hours of economics courses, attainment of a GPA of 3.0 or better in economics courses, and an overall GPA of at least 3.0.
Newest members of the Allegheny College Omicron Delta Epsilon chapter
During our Spring 2023 event, we welcomed the newest members of the Omicron Delta Epsilon Honor Society:
Robert Amsdell
Patrick Hogan
Reece Smith
Bergas. Anargya
Dagney K. Javes
Margaret L. Todd
Tergel Buyanbat
Kenneth C. Johns
Patricia J. Todd
Jenna E. Halenda
Lucia Jueguen
Preston A. Turk
Carter J. Hassenplug
Kevin Lee
Isabelle R. Wakefield
Why study economics?
This year, Professor Emeritus John Golden provided the opening remarks sharing with students the history of economics, the benefits of the discipline and the many career trajectories made possible by the study of economics. He explains:
“Given the wide-ranging diversity of interests among economists, it is no surprise that this discipline provides undergraduates with many subsequent career options. Many find employment in the private sector, especially in banking. For those interested in working in this industry, consider taking a course in finance. Also, internships are helpful in exploring post-undergraduate careers. You may enjoy a subject intellectually, but perhaps would find a daily routine and/or colleagues not to your liking.
Better to find out sooner — via an internship — than later.
Another employment possibility is a non-profit organization devoted to a cause in which one truly values, such as green energy solutions or fighting poverty. An additional career option is to become an entrepreneur who creates his or her own business in either the private or non-profit sector.”
The Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business and Economics (CBE) prepares Allegheny College students to succeed in a diverse, global economy. Learn more at allegheny.edu/cbe
Bill Ochieng ’24 spent last summer as a Sales Intern at Aflac Insurance. Aflac is a supplemental Insurance team that provides an additional layer of financial protection for employees and their families in the event of serious or accidental illness and injury. How did the summer go? We asked Bill…
How did you find your summer internship experience?
Bill: I began the research process by looking for various internship positions online, which was a bit overwhelming. When I came upon Aflac, I found an internship within my desired field of work, filled out the application, and uploaded my resume. Throughout this process I used various job-searching platforms like LinkedIn, Gator2Gator, and Handshake.
What were your duties?
Bill: As a sales intern, I used my social and business networking skills to help CEO’s, business owners, and HR managers determine which insurance programs would best suit their employees. Sales, specifically Insurance, is a field I am interested in pursuing after college and feel as though Aflac provided the best opportunity for me to dig deeper into the world of Insurance, as well as gain direct insight into the inner workings of the company.
Would you recommend this experience to other students?
Bill: I would absolutely recommend this experience to fellow students looking to pursue a career in Sales. The skills acquired through this kind of experience are immensely coveted, valuable and transferable to any company in any industry. Sales is an integral part of every business on this planet and the insights gained from real-world experiences are key, but if sales is not for you then I would recommend other endeavors.
Bill is an Economics and Computer Science double major, scheduled to graduate in May 2024. He serves the college as a Residence Advisor (RA) and is the Media Manager for the Allegheny Chess Club. His career goal is to advance to a position in Cyber Security applying his knowledge of Economics.
Economics has come to include a core of widely accepted general theory, techniques for using data to test hypotheses and draw inferences, and skills that are often refined by experience in the application of theory to particular problems. Economists apply those theories and techniques to topics often associated with the field, like banking and finance, but the range of topics studied by economists is very broad, including sports, the environment, health, crime, discrimination, and business. The science of computing extends far beyond hardware and software questions. Allegheny’s computer science majors understand the theories and concepts behind the technology, and there’s almost no limit to the ways in which this broad-based knowledge can be adapted.
Ebrima Darboe ’23 is continuing his summer internship as a Global Supply Chain Analyst at pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer. The internship was originally hybrid with the New York office, and is currently continuing as a remote experience. We asked Ebrima:
How did you find your internship?
Ebrima: I first learned about Pfizer during the pandemic and discovered that the company positively impacts lives while being dedicated to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment for colleagues. I found this internship opportunity on the Allegheny College Handshake Platform.
What were you doing during this experience?
Ebrima: This summer I had the unique opportunity to gain knowledge in the global supply chain within Pfizer. As a Global Supply Chain Analyst my team and I collaborated on global supply chain business initiatives, with an emphasis on sustainability and risk management. I worked on various projects, strengthening my data analytics skills to understand waste and risk levels associated with different Pfizer products.
Additionally, this internship allowed me to strengthen my business acumen and expand my professional network. I valued being a part of one of Pfizer’s College Resource Groups, the Global Black Community. My participation in the GBC allowed me to connect with other GBC Pfizer interns and professionals, be paired with a mentor, and have access to professional development opportunities. This internship experience provided me with the opportunity to gain meaningful work experience, and now I can see a potential career in the industry.
Would you recommend this internship to other students?
Ebrima: I would highly recommend this internship to other students, so they can explore their potential career interests and gain experience to broaden their skills and network.
Ebrima is an Economics major and Community and Justice Studies minor scheduled to graduate in May 2023. He is the President of the Men of Color Advancement Association and a member of the African Student Association and Islamic Cultural Association. Additionally, he a member of the IDEAS center and participates in intramural basketball.
Studying economics at Allegheny College teaches students how people respond to incentives in making choices, and how those choices affect outcomes at both the micro and macro scale. A microeconomist might study how a firm or a family chooses to finance a new piece of equipment or a home purchase. A macroeconomist might study how a change in interest rates affects economic growth, unemployment, or the balance of trade. Community and Justice Studies (COMJ) investigates challenges facing communities, analyzes key methods of social action, develops ethical reasoning, and directly engages students in responsible engagement in our community. Community and Justice Studies offers students an intellectual framework for understanding social systems, structures, movements and how these shape society, especially in relationship to power and oppression.
Morgan Douglas ’23 embarks on the next step of her journey to CMU
This fall, CBE Fellow Morgan Douglas ‘23 entered Allegheny College’s signature 3 + 2 program at the Heinz College of Carnegie Mellon University to pursue a M.S. in Information Security Policy & Management. During her summer experience at the IT Lab: Summer Security Intensive, Morgan credits her major/minor combination of Economics, Math and Computer Science as the key to thriving during this challenging experience. To learn more, we asked…
Why did you choose the CMU 3 + 2 program?
Morgan: I chose the 3+2 program with Carnegie Mellon University – specifically the Master of Science in Information Security Policy & Management – because it allowed me to combine my love for economics, computer science, and mathematics. At CMU, I will gain technical and managerial knowledge to combine with my knowledge of economics to solve cyber challenges. Attending a school that is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, learning from leading practitioners from the internationally renowned CERT Division of CMU’s Software Engineering Institute, is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am grateful to be able to learn at not one, but two prestigious institutions.
I will receive funding for my Master’s degree through the Department of Defense’s Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship. In return, I will receive mentoring throughout my academic experience, complete a summer internship, and then work full-time upon completion of my degree at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) in a highly technical computer science role.
How did you find this opportunity? Did the fact that you were headed to the CMU graduate program impact your acceptance into your summer experience?
Morgan: I completed a summer fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University Heinz College’s rigorous IT Lab: Summer Security Intensive. As a fellow, I completed three courses (Cloud Security, Information Security Management, and Database Management & Security), had the opportunity to have lunch and learn sessions with leaders in Information Security in both the private industry and the U.S. government, and collaborated on deterrence research with the Department of Defense’s United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) through the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN). The research question that my group and I studied and answered was – Given an economically constrained environment, what role does cyber play in deterrence theory? I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work with an amazing team, present our findings, and will soon publish our research through Carnegie Mellon University. I chose this summer fellowship over competing offers because I believed that it would best prepare me for graduate school, allow me to make many connections in the field of information security, and learn about different career paths within the field.
Would you recommend this type of summer experiences to other students? How should they prepare?
Morgan: The IT Lab: SSI fellowship is dedicated to rising seniors who have an interest in information security or cybersecurity. The program is rigorous, but very rewarding. Fellows get a glimpse of what it is like to be a graduate student at CMU Heinz College, what career opportunities are available, the connections needed to get to the desired position, and a collaborative research experience. The fellowship covers the costs of housing, meals, tuition, books, travel expenses, and a stipend. An interested student should check out their webpage and apply at https://www.heinz.cmu.edu/programs/itlab/. In addition, they should start preparing a clean resume, an intriguing personal essay that depicts why they have an interest in cybersecurity and cyber policy, and 2 recommendation letters. Students who successfully complete this program will be eligible for at least 50% off tuition for master’s programs at CMU’s Heinz College.
CBE Fellow Morgan Douglas is an Economics major with minors in both Math and Computer Science, scheduled to graduate in May 2023. Throughout her undergraduate career, she has earned recognition as a Distinguished Alden Scholar (High Dean’s List) and Lambda Sigma Honor Society, and is a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon, the International Economics Honor Society. Douglas has served as a Residential Advisor, Wealth Management Club Vice President and the Women in Business and Economics Club Treasurer.
Allegheny College’s signature Carnegie Mellon 3-2 Program
Allegheny College has a formal agreement with the Heinz College of Carnegie Mellon University to offer a 3-2 cooperative program. Students who enroll in this accelerated master’s degree program will complete three years of study at Allegheny College and two years at Carnegie Mellon University. Upon completion of this program, the student will receive both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time than is usually required to earn both of these degrees.
The Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy is home to two internationally recognized graduate-level institutions at Carnegie Mellon University: the School of Information Systems and Management and the School of Public Policy and Management.
Heinz College offers an accelerated master’s program to qualified Allegheny College students. The program, structured as three years at Allegheny College followed by three to four semesters at the Heinz College (depending upon program), allows students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in less time than is normally required.
Kevin Lee at his internship at Barclay’s Corporate & Investment Bank on Wall Street
This summer Kevin Lee went to Wall Street as an intern at Barclays Corporate & Investment Bank, working as an Internal Audit Summer Analyst. Barclays Corporate and Investment Bank provides large corporate, government and institutional clients with a full spectrum of strategic advisory, financing and risk management solutions to help them innovate and grow.
How did the summer go? We asked Kevin…
How did you find your internship?
I’ve heard of Barclays and always wanted to work there, as it is one of the bigger banks on Wall Street. I discovered this and other internship opportunities via job notifications on LinkedIn, Google, and Glassdoor. I set the criteria for the type of internship that I was seeking so that new postings would be sent to my email. I believe that Google and LinkedIn notifications worked the best for me. I then applied to and prepared for every internship and interview opportunity that I received. I finally landed my summer 2022 internship at Barclays after applying to over 90 internships, and preparing for a bunch of 1st round interviews.
Furthermore, as I went about my summer, I learned that building a network is very important. On
top of the method, I mentioned above, I will emphasize sending cold emails to people that work in positions/ firms you will want to work for and ask for a phone call. Then, nurture the relationships with the people you enjoyed talking too. I emphasize this because having network connections is equally as important as applying.
What were you doing during this experience?
I got tasked with various projects that assessed the business environment within Barclays. One of
my favorite projects entailed auditing the U.S. Barclays branches regarding their controls for
financial crimes. I learned there are many different controls that mitigate this risk. Some controls
are related to assessing data for key reporting indicators, training, and key committees. I got the
opportunity to own the audit for the key governing committees that oversee the U.S. branches. I
researched, tested the data, interviewed key stakeholders, and wrote working papers to give a rating
to the efficacy of financial crime mitigation through the key committees. I also got to write two
global compliance update reports, which got published to the global Barclays Internal Audit
financial crimes, anti-money laundering, and compliance team. Outside of my work, Barclays
also provided volunteer events, so I also had the opportunity to clear out invasive species from a
park in New Jersey.
Would you recommend this internship to other students?
I would recommend this internship due to the fact there was never a dull moment. I was learning
new things every day and I was surrounded by incredibly bright, sociable, driven, and intelligent
people. The culture at Barclays is one of their greatest competitive advantages and I strongly
stand by this statement. I would look into applying to Barclays if you are looking for a career in
internal audit. Furthermore, there are a lot of transferable skills this department can offer. It will enhance your analytical, objectivity, business writing, and client facing skills. Internal audit can also lead into jobs such as transaction advisory services, which can then lead to other opportunities such as investment banking jobs.
Kevin Lee is a senior, majoring in Business and minoring in Computer Science, planning to graduate in 2023. This fall, he will serve as a teacher’s assistant/ tutor for financial accounting and will serve on the Wealth Management Club’s board as an investment fund associate and career coach. In his spare time, Kevin participates in the Volleyball Club, and Club Basketball.
Allegheny’s Business major is designed to help students gain a deep knowledge of the managerial and business concepts typically used by the business and non-profit world. The program also focuses on the tools, skills, and competencies needed to solve practical problems faced by organizations. The business majors from Allegheny will graduate with a strong liberal arts background enabling them to learn how they can use their financial success to serve humanity, make a difference in people’s lives and leave a legacy of success and service. Every business major is expected to engage in a mentored experiential learning project or activity – this may be satisfied by a study abroad program or an internship that exposes the student to cultural, civic engagement and global issues.
Binderiya Batsaikhan at her internship at Sartoria Premier Tailor LLC
This past summer, Binderiya Batsaikhan(Bindy) was a marketing intern at Sartoria Premier Tailor LLC in Mongolia, a company that operates luxury brands from Europe into the Mongolian market overseeing four major high end stores in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia.
How did the summer go? We asked Bindy…
What are your duties and what are you learning about?
Bindy: As a marketing intern for Sartoria Premier Tailor LLC, I needed to work for two multi-brand stores, and two mono-brands. The multi-brand stores required a lot of my marketing skills gained from inside the classroom, but equally challenged my creative skills as well. I managed all of the social media content and posts for four stores, creating social media content such as instagram reels, stories, and posts. In addition, I would create a mood board for each store, come up with photoshoots or content ideas to discuss with the creative director. Once approved, I would work with our photographer to come up with different set designs that incorporated the appropriate visual merchandising elements. One important lesson that I learned about working with luxury brands is that I have to deliver a certain standard of promotion that meets the expectations of luxury consumers.
Binderiya with the HR Manager, Business Manager and Store Manager of Ame Concept Store
Binderiya with the Store Manager at the Premier Tailor Store
Besides managing social media accounts, I assisted with the creation of marketing plans for new luxury brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Zadig & Voltaire, and Saphir médaille d’or openings in the Mongolian market. My duties ranged from training the sales assistants about the brands and their recent collection, to organizing different events such as the Zadig & Voltaire pop-up event and creating marketing ideas for the stores. One of my last duties was to plan, market, and operate a clearance sale event for the company, combining all the stores and holding the sales event in an art gallery. From this experience, I gained a lot of understanding and experience about planning a successful strategic event. From the invitation list to the structure of the event to the financial budgeting, it was truly a comprehensive list of lessons learned from my experience.
How did you discover your internship?
Bindy: I created a list of companies I wanted to work for during my summer trip back home in Mongolia and found different ways to contact these companies. I found my internship with Sartoria through LinkedIn after connecting with the Creative Director of the company. I sent a direct message with my resume and received an interview a week later.
Would you recommend this internship to other students?
Bindy: I would recommend that everyone should explore and experience their passions and interests, for me, it was always marketing, particularly luxury fashion marketing. I think my internship taught me a lot about who I want to be, what I can bring to the table, and also what I need to work on in order to elevate my skills. I also want to say that students should just reach out to people and companies, don’t be afraid to get rejected or get no answers back. You never know what opportunities you might have missed if you did not try.
Binderiya is a double major in Economics and International Studies with a French minor planning to graduate in 2025. She serves as a RA, participates in the Law and Policy program, and is a first place winner for her company, Blue Ciel – Cashmere Imports in the 2022 annual Zingale Big Idea Competition.
At the Allegheny College Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business and Economics, students may pursue a major in economics or business with each course of study applying the rigor of economic theory, with the benefit of interdisciplinary coursework that allows students to create a personalized concentration. An extensive portfolio of co-curricular activities complements our curriculum, enhancing student learning and real-world experience and soft skill development to ensure that each student succeeds in pursuing internships, job, and graduate school opportunities at Allegheny College, and throughout their professional careers. The distinctive Allegheny model requires students to declare a minor in a non-business and non-social science discipline, for example philosophy, religious studies, a foreign language, music, English, fine arts, biology, World Health, mathematics, and computer science among other fields.
