An Inside Look at College of Business Student Internships

Internships provide a great opportunity for students to gain on-the-job training and to network with professionals in their fields before joining the workforce.  They help bridge the gap between college and the work world and allow students to experience life in the job arena. Students learn about their strengths, interests, problem-solving skills, and their ability to deal with clients and work under pressure.  Visit the College of Business Internship Office to find out about great opportunities available to you!

Name: Lauren Bauer
Hometown: Mundelein, Illinois
Class of: 2012
Major: Entrepreneurship and Hospitality Management
Internship: The Ivy (restaurant); London,England
Title: Management Intern
My experience/what I learned: The Ivy is meticulous about service, preparation, details and maintaining its reputation as a premier London restaurant. I learned about the importance of doing things properly from wine and flaming dessert presentation to using the right linens and utensils. I also was impressed by the well-trained staff and their emphasis on giving diners a special experience, great food and service. This was a great work experience that will give me the confidence I’ll need to work in the hospitality industry.
Career goal: My career goal is to own a successful open-mike coffee shop.

Name:  Rebecca Dunlap
Hometown:  Orlando, Florida
Class of: 2012
Major: Management and Finance
Internship:  Lockheed Martin, Enterprise Business Services (global defense industry); Lake Underhill, Florida
Title: College Intern/Financial Analyst
My experience/what I learned: It was an incredibly positive experience. I never saw myself working for a company that mass-produced missiles and fighter jets.  However, it was this unique opportunity that provided challenging and growing experiences that shaped my career goals as a rising senior. Utilizing the tools and knowledge I gained throughout my undergrad experience, I had the ability to make a difference and be a true asset during my time with Lockheed Martin.
Career goal: I plan to immediately enter the workforce to further my work experiences before applying for grad school. I had a positive experience with Lockheed Martin and would be incredibly happy returning to its Enterprise Business Services department as a financial analyst. However, like all seniors, the sky's the limit, and I look forward to the vast opportunities that will come my way.

Name:  Cynthia Felix
Hometown:  Miami, Florida
Class of:  2011
Major:  Accounting and Finance
Internship:  Wi Yi Xuan (investment firm); Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
Title:  Research Analyst/ Public Relations
My experience/what I learned:  After this internship experience at Wi Yi Xuan, I have come to realize that one’s career aspirations and experiences that transpire during their collegiate career becomes more meaningful and valuable when you take the initiative to travel to the other side of the world. Many students are rarely afforded the opportunity I had this summer term. With more networks to navigate through, all I can say is I will continue to connect the dots where ever I go. Keep in mind that being ahead of your competition is one thing, but travelling abroad for a work experience can unfold a different path in your career that you never thought of before. There are definitely barriers where ever you go, but the point of it all is finding a way through the barrier or simply tackling it.
Career goal:  I am a licensed cosmetologist, and I plan eventually to start my own line of hair products. But first, I hope to obtain experience in government accounting and, eventually, to acquire my master’s degree.

Name:  Maria L. Fernandez
Hometown:  West Palm Beach, Florida
Class of:  2012
Major:  Marketing
Internship:  Anthropologie under Urban Outfitters Inc.; West Palm Beach, Florida
Title:  Visual Display Intern
My experience/what I learned:  Anthropologie tailors its merchandise to sophisticated and contemporary women, ages 20 to 45, who appreciate innovation,artfulness and good design in a soulful atmosphere.  As a visual display intern, my chief duties were to assist the visual coordinators and merchandisers in the creation and upkeep of displays throughout the store, while also working on visual marketing approaches through signage, promotions and merchandising.  I’ve gained an enormous amount of knowledge and experience in marketing.
Career goal:  To work for a leading publications company, such as Condé Nast, as a junior creative or marketing director and also to pursue a career on a corporate level in the fashion industry.

Name:  Lisa Foresta
Hometown:  Jacksonville, Florida
FSU Class of:  2012
Major:  Marketing
Internship:  Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Headquarters; New York City, NY
Title:  Product Development and Men's Merchandising Intern
My experience/what I learned: Working at Tommy Hilfiger gave me the wonderful opportunity to see how a major international company functions on an internal level. I gained invaluable experience in my two passions – fashion and marketing. I was able to apply my interest in the fashion industry while using my marketing experience on a daily basis.
Career goal:  I plan to work on the business end of a major fashion company, either in marketing, communications or merchandising.

Name:  Paul Kaklamanos
Hometown:  Jupiter, Florida
Class of: 2012
Major:  Entrepreneurship and Professional Sales
Internship:  RS Platou Shipping; Oslo, Norway
Title:  Sales and Purchase Trainee
My experience/what I learned:  The most exciting thing that happened was when two other S&P trainees and I had dinner with John Fredriksen, the CEO of RS Platou.  He started out as a trainee in his early 20s and now is one of the most powerful men in the shipping industry,with a net worth of nearly $11 billion. I learned a lot about the shipping industry and, more importantly, how to maintain a proper relationship between yourself and a client to ensure successful future  business.
Career goal:  I plan to do another internship next summer for RS Platou in their Singapore office.  After I graduate, I hope to gain employment in the shipping industry, specifically with Platou.

Name:  Monica Puerto
Hometown:  Miami, Florida
Class of:  2012
Major:  Finance and Marketing
Internship:  Discovery Communications; Miami, Florida
Title:  Research Intern
My experience/what I learned:  It was a very hands-on experience. I was surrounded by a great community of innovative individuals who took the term “hard-working” to heart. The energy was contagious throughout the company. The internship allowed me to recognize my strengths and weaknesses, which has prepared me to meet the expectations of future employers. I will have a definite advantage over other prospective job applicants who may not have had the opportunity to work in the type of environment Discovery provided me.
Career goal:  A research position in the television industry is a perfect fit for me – whether it is in market research, product research or ratings and content research.

Name:  Zack Salsman
Hometown:  New Braunfels, Texas
Class of:  2012
Major:  Master’s of Accounting-Assurance Services
Internship:  Deloitte & Touche LLP; Tampa, Florida
Title:  Audit Intern
My experience/what I learned:  Interning at Deloitte was the perfect introduction to a career in public accounting. I was immersed in the culture of the firm and was able to add value right away. After completing my internship,I'm more focused on school, the CPA exam and getting ready to work full-time.
Career goal:   I want to use my audit experience to help work toward financial system reform. I would like to be part of an organization that studies financial markets and institutions, not to profit from it, but rather eliminate corruption and return to the core function of national finance.

Name:  Alexander Wahl
Hometown:  Coral Springs, Florida
Class of:  2012
Major:  Marketing
Internship:  Major League Baseball Advanced (digital media); New York City, NY
Title:  Business Development Intern
My experience/what I learned:  The internship gave me an inside look at the digital media industry as it pertains to sports and helped me to learn a lot about what I do and don't want in my career.
Career goal:  To become an executive in the sports industry.