RJ at “The Park,” the observation deck at the top of PNC’s main building downtown.
Richard “RJ” Swanson ’24, an Economics major with a Communications and Political Science double-minor served as a finance and accounting intern in Pittsburgh with PNC Bank.
We asked RJ….
How did you find your summer internship?
I originally applied through their external application site, but I was also referred to the program. I was able to connect with alumna Jennifer Daurora ’99, and she helped me organize my application, and prepare for my interviews.
What were your duties?
This summer, I worked under the Management Accounting team. On a daily basis, I was responsible for running validations that ensured the cubes with the bank’s forecasting and budgeting data were operating correctly. I also was involved with some testing efforts that looked at new data storage systems.
A good portion of the internship also involved program events with our intern class. We participated in a speaker series that gave us face time with executives from the bank. There were also professional development training events to help us to refine our Excel, networking, and other skills.
The PNC Intern Capstone Team
I was also responsible for working on a team with three other interns to present a research project to members of the finance department. We conducted research with the help of PNC’s Investor Relations team and consultants from EY and PWC.
Our project looked at instant payment networks, and the emergence of the Federal Reserve’s FedNow.
Would you recommend this experience to other students?
I would absolutely recommend this internship to other students. PNC’s internship program was just ranked in the top 100 internship experiences in the United States this year. It is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself and utilize materials from coursework. Even if you don’t end up interested in the department that you interned with, there are almost limitless job opportunities within the bank to try.
What other activities are you involved in on campus?
Besides working as a Fellow at the CBE, I am the president of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity on campus. Additionally, I am the president of both the Golf Club and Wealth Management Club.
The Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business and Economics (CBE) prepares Allegheny College students to succeed in a diverse, global economy.
Andrew Strobel (far left) with the summer of 2023 Thermo Fisher Scientific Intern Group
Andrew Strobel ‘24 is an Economics Major / German Minor interning this summer at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Pittsburgh. We asked Andrew….
Andrew Strobel ’24
How did you find your summer internship?
I found my summer internship through a LinkedIn search in September. I was looking for finance internships in and around Pittsburgh. In fact, I would encourage students seeking internships to start early, it pays off! I am a FLDP (Financial Leadership Development Program) intern on the reporting and analytics commercial finance team.
What were your duties?
I was able to work on 2 projects this summer. The first project involved analyzing customer contracts for information regarding our customer incentive program. The commercial finance team typically tracks payments that we have to issue to customers during the course of the year manually, but our team is transitioning to a new application developed in-house in conjunction with IT. I helped input important contract information so that this process will be automated for over 90% of the payments that we make.
In a similar way, I helped the cash applications team by analyzing customer contracts for prompt payment discounts. Prompt payment discounts are given to customers who pay their invoices early (i.e. 1% 10 Net 30). This discount helps incentivize customers to pay, which in turn speeds the company’s cash flow.
The interns were required to participate in a volunteer opportunity together this summer with the caveat that we were to take responsibility for planning and choosing the opportunity. I led the interns in the planning and execution of the event– we volunteered at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank in their new venture, The Market. “The Market, in partnership with Giant Eagle, offers a grocery store-style experience providing shelf-stable, meat, dairy, fresh produce and non-food grocery items as well as connections to additional resources for help.”
My day-to-day responsibilities involved daily/weekly reporting. The most important report I sent out to leadership was the daily sales performance of one of Thermo Fisher’s North American Business segments.
Would you recommend this experience to other students?
I would highly recommend this experience to any Allegheny student. This opportunity provided me with so much information on corporate finance, the opportunity to learn new softwares, networking opportunities, and work experience as a team and as an individual in a short amount of time. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers opportunities in many different locations around the US, so if you are geographically flexible, it is a great chance to work in a different city. It also provided me with some knowledge that finance isn’t just stocks and bond pricing; there are endless opportunities in the world of finance.
Andrew is a CBE Fellow, Vice President of Delta Tau Delta, a member of the Men’s Soccer Coaching Staff, and is in the process of trying to start a pickleball club!
The Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business and Economics (CBE) prepares Allegheny College students to succeed in a diverse, global economy.
Graham Kralic ’25, an economics major and communications minor, elected to stay in Meadville this summer and intern in the Financial Aid office at Allegheny College.
Graham Kralic ’25, an economics major and communications minor, elected to stay in Meadville this summer and intern in the Financial Aid office at Allegheny College.
We asked Graham…
How did you find your summer internship?
I found this opportunity through my campus job in the financial aid office.
◊ Allegheny students can apply for wide variety of campus jobs through the student job bank.
What are your duties?
My duties include financial aid awards research based on recent SCOTUS rulings, scholarship account bank reconciliation, employment verification, general student employment duties, assisting in general office duties, data entry, and dealing with student and parent relationships regarding financial aid.
Would you recommend this experience to other students?
I would definitely recommend this experience to other students. It’s a great way to learn the ins and outs of office life and hone communication and collaboration skills better. This experience also provides the opportunity to take on larger responsibilities since the office has a smaller staff compared to some internships at larger companies.
What other activities are you involved in on campus?
I’m involved in CBE as a Fellow, the varsity men’s soccer team, I’m the co-president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee(SAAC), the Director of Membership Development of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, the treasurer of the Interfraternity Council, and a member of the golf club.
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.
