Find out what Weatherhead School of Management students are up to this summer!
Grace Harrison
Major: Economics
Minor: Public policy
Where are you interning this summer?
I am working with The Council of State Governments (CSG) Center of Innovation's policy research team.
What do you do in this position?
Respond to research requests from state governments and officials. I am also working on the center's "Book of the States" annual research publication, which collects data on various topics from state governments through surveys.
How did you find out about this opportunity?
I have been working with CSG since January when I began my Washington Center semester program in D.C. I'm now continuing the position remotely through the summer.
What has been your favorite part of the internship so far?
The opportunity to write and publish research articles and blogs, as well as the chance to feel like a real team member rather than just an intern.
What are you looking to get out of this experience?
I'm looking to gain more research and writing experience, as well as professional skills, to take with me in future jobs.
Solomon Goldstein
Major: Finance
Minor: Economics
Where are you interning this summer?
INSIGHT2PROFIT.
What do you do in this position?
This summer I had the opportunity to work on a client team where INSIGHT is delivering a pricing recommendation for a security and fire system installation company. I had the opportunity to identify the potential impact of our continued engagement in a new territory and derived a relative $10 million of potential impact with pricing excellence. In addition to this major project, I performed additional analyses for the client in a few software systems like PowerBi and Excel.
How did you find out about this opportunity?
At the CWRU Career Fair! INSIGHT2PROFIT had a booth at the fair and I was able to meet recruiters and employees at the firm.
What has been your favorite part of the internship so far?
My favorite part of the internship has been the capstone project. I have the opportunity to deliver a real recommendation that INSIGHT will be able to use after my internship has ended, and thus my work has real impact for the client. I am in a unique position to essentially market size what an expanded engagement would look like and present my findings in a SteerCo deck to a committee.
What are you looking to get out of this experience?
I am looking to gain experience in the consulting field with my internship. I am already doing so by working with the client to understand their needs and what they want from the engagement, as well anticipating what comes next. Additionally, I am looking to strengthen my technical skills through learning new software systems like PowerBi. Finally, growing my network and understanding how INSIGHT operates and the value they provide to their clients is the final piece I wish to understand.
Sedona Jolly
Major: Economics
Minor: Math
Where is your research opportunity located?
University of Chicago Becker Friedman Institute.
Can you explain the details of your research?
I am working under Dr. Erik Hurst, Dr. Carolyn Sloane and Dr. Sandra Black on young adult parental cohabitation–but I prefer to say "twenty- and thirty-somethings living with their parents."
Over the past 20 years (and especially after the housing market crash of 2008) young people of all races, genders, education levels, and income levels have started to stay with their parents in greater proportion than ever in the past 50 years. However, unlike other indicators of recovery from a recession, cohabitation has remained high–which has created a real mystery as to why it has risen, and why it has not returned to its previous level.
We think it might be because of a combination of things. There is an increase in “supply” of parental “insurance” from the gradual increase in the size of the average single-family home and the gradual decrease in the average American family size. There is also an increase in “demand” for this space from the 2008 shock to the labor market, increasing housing and rent prices, delaying marriage, and delaying having children. All of these things, in theory, could explain why the “cost” of living with one's parents is relatively cheaper, so we see a greater quantity of “consumers”–however we need to test these theories! We aren’t too far into the analysis yet, but we are starting to estimate the impacts of housing size, housing price, and labor market shocks using a shift-share instrument. It’s been really interesting!
How did you find out about this opportunity?
I was able to work with Erik because I had the privilege to participate in the 2021 Expanding Diversity in Economics summer program and was one of 10 cohort members selected to be research assistants at the University of Chicago the following summer in 2022. Last summer I was invited to work with Erik again, so here I am back in Chicago!
What has the experience been like so far?
This project is in the beginning stages, so much of my time is spent on data cleaning, data visualization, data exploration, basic econometric analysis, and communicating the results through slides and presentations–but my favorite part is asking questions and talking about ideas as we discover new facts from the data. For example, this past week we found that almost every percentage point increase in parental cohabitation almost exactly coincides with a percent decrease in people who are cohabitating with a spouse or unmarried partner. While we originally were thinking that young people were using extra space in their parent’s house as “insurance” for financial support after a recession, it might be possible that this trend is a reflection of a cultural shift as to where young people are going for emotional support!
What are you most looking forward to?
I’m most looking forward to seeing where this project goes. I’m leaving soon and am sad to say goodbye to everyone, but I can’t wait to come back to campus!
Aryaman Aggarwal
Area of study: Dual Degree: MBA/Master of Finance
What are you up to this summer?
I have an internship at KeyBank's Risk Modeling Branch.
What do you do in this position?
I am responsible for preparing risk models and consolidating scenario analysis to effectively assess and manage potential risks in the bank's operations.
How did you find out about this opportunity?
I discovered this opportunity by actively following KeyBank's LinkedIn page, where I came across the internship posting. Intrigued, I conducted further research on KeyBank's website to gather more information. Seeking guidance, I reached out to Prof. Bala (Assistant Professor Lakshmi Balasubramanyan), who kindly offered her assistance and provided a referral that ultimately led to receiving an interview invitation from KeyBank.
What has been your favorite part of the internship so far?
KeyBank's internship has been truly rewarding, offering a wealth of learning opportunities through internal resources and a supportive office environment where interns are treated as valued team members. Additionally, the chance to visit the office in person has been invaluable, allowing me to connect with new people, learn from their diverse experiences, and foster collaboration and personal growth.
What are you looking to get out of this experience?
I am seeking to deepen my knowledge and skills in risk modeling, quantitative analytics, and scenario analysis, gaining hands-on experience in the banking industry. Additionally, I aim to build professional relationships, learn from industry experts, and develop a strong foundation for my future career in risk management.
Pallavi Goculdas
Majors: Finance and business information technology
Minor: Applied data science and economics
What are you up to this summer?
I have an internship with JPMorgan Chase & Co. in NYC.
What do you do in this position?
My role is an asset management product summer analyst. Specifically, I am on the alternatives growth equity team in NYC.
How did you find out about this opportunity?
I interned at JPMorgan Chase & Co. last summer in addition to being a Girls Who Invest Summer Intensive Scholar. I really enjoyed my experience and loved the culture of the firm, so I was very excited about the opportunity to return!
What has been your favorite part of the internship so far?
My favorite part of the internship so far has been meeting and working with so many great people. I enjoyed connecting with a lot of the interns through the training program and love being able to work with employees of all levels in the firm on a daily basis. I also enjoy being able to effectively contribute to the team and make an impact early on!
What are you looking to get out of this experience?
I am looking forward to learning a lot, expanding my skills, contributing to the growth equity team, receiving mentorship and guidance from senior leaders, and meeting many new people.
Bhargav Bhalodi
Area of study: Master of Business Analytics and Intelligence
What are you up to this summer?
I am a business intelligence intern at Calamos Investments.
What do you do in this position?
I use SQL and Microsoft Power BI to create detailed reports by extracting data from multiple sources and different formats.
In Power BI, I load and preprocess large datasets using M language and I use DAX skills to create measures and calculated columns. I transform existing Power BI reports that use enterprise SQL database to utilize Azure Databricks cloud database as part of the organization’s broader goal to migrate data to the cloud. I also use Python and SQL to assist the team’s ETL process by identifying variable mapping anomalies between industry data and company data. I analyze data to identify patterns and create reports/dashboards for actionable business insights.
What has been your favorite part of the internship so far?
It’s so hard to pick a favorite part of the internship since I’ve had so many great experiences during this internship. I love the culture, the people and the projects/tasks I am assigned. I love that even as an intern I am working on actual company tasks and making real, significant contributions to the company. The company also organizes several fun events—one of my favorites being the All Associates Top Golf event!
What are you looking to get out of this experience?
This internship has been a wonderful experience that has allowed me to hone my data/business analytics skills and pick up a lot of new skills.
I have used Python, SQL, Power BI and Excel, and have gotten a chance to work with Azure Databricks. I have also participated in my team’s agile scrum working methodology using Jira, which is another great skill I have acquired through this internship.
I have had the chance to preprocess, manipulate and analyze large, real-world datasets for providing actionable business insights. Working at Calamos Investments has allowed me to find and grow my interest in applying my data analytics skills in the investment industry.
Katie Merritt
Majors: Economics and nutrition
What are you up to this summer?
I am working as an intern with the research team at JobsOhio, Ohio's economic development corporation, this summer.
What do you do in this position?
JobsOhio seeks to attract new business and expand existing business in Ohio. The role of the research team is to provide data in support of business development projects. For example, we want to show companies that there is a talent pipeline for their new facility based on degrees awarded by Ohio institutions in a specific discipline. We also want to show companies that Ohio is the most attractive place to do business financially based on its tax environment, available sites, and other factors. As an intern, I am supporting the research team with these business development research requests, as well as some long-term strategic projects for the organization.
How did you find out about this opportunity?
Someone connected me with an individual that works for JobsOhio, and I set up an informational call with him to hear more about his work. I was very interested in his work, and he forwarded my resume to HR. They ended up having a position open up for me on the research team a few months later!
What has been your favorite part of the internship so far?
I had the opportunity to travel to Detroit with my team to attend the C2ER: Council for Community and Economic Development national conference. I met lots of economic development researchers and data vendors at the conference, and it made me very excited about the work of applied economic researchers.
What are you looking to get out of this experience?
I am hoping to improve my coding and data analysis skills and gain a greater understanding of federal data sources. I am also hoping to meet economic development professionals and explore different areas of applied economic research to gain a better idea of what I want to do after graduation.
Jared Zullig
Majors: Marketing and political science
What are you up to this summer?
I am a corporate business intern on the total leave solutions team at Uum Group.
What do you do in this position?
I am helping the largest disability insurer in the U.S. and U.K. roll out a new software for employers to simplify leave management.
How did you find out about this opportunity?
Through the Weatherhead alumni network—an executive at the company is an alumni!
What has been your favorite part of the internship so far?
Networking with other interns has been a highlight so far, I’ve met people from all over the country. Also having a chance to absorb what a Fortune 500 company of this scale is like has been a real privilege.
What are you looking to get out of this experience?
I think taking advantage of all that a company this size has to offer is what I’m trying to do. I’m not super excited about insurance but also just watching how a good workplace culture is formed is amazing.
Brooke Hathhorn
Majors: Economics and mathematics
What are you up to this summer?
I am an economic research intern at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
What do you do in this position?
I am assisting PhD economists and predoctoral research associates on macroeconomics research projects about the Federal Open Market Committee. I aid with literature review, data collection, data cleaning, and preparation of materials to be published in the bank's journals and blogs.
How did you find out about this opportunity?
My professors in the economics department recommended this internship for me as a way to prepare for a PhD in economics. In addition, a few graduates of the department have interned in the Federal Reserve System in previous summers and encouraged me to apply!
What has been your favorite part of the internship so far?
My favorite part of the internship so far is the camaraderie within the research associate (RA) cohort! I share similar career goals and academic interests as the other RAs, who are all prospective PhD students who have graduated with a bachelor's degree in the past three years.
We have weekly meetings to discuss our research assignments and share ideas, a monthly reading group to build our skills of reading and discussing economic literature (very similar to Weatherhead Economic Society's Literature Circle!), and we attend seminars held at the bank by visiting researchers. They have served as great mentors, whether taking me out to coffee to discuss graduate school or giving me advice on my assignments.
What are you looking to get out of this experience?
I am looking to build my coding skills in Stata, MATLAB, and R; network with the RAs and economists; and build my analytical, writing and presentation skills. All of this is to prepare me for a predoc and an economics PhD program.
Jaspal Singh Juneja
Area of study: MBA
What are you up to this summer?
I have an internship with the Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP).
What do you do in this position?
I am working as a technology economy initiative intern with the GCP. This role involves creating a stronger tech community within Cleveland and NEO as a region.
How did you find out about this opportunity?
Through a networking event in downtown.
What has been your favorite part of the internship so far?
The company organizes Campus Cleveland i.e. activities through which we can get to know Cleveland much better, and a lot of other events that GCP organizes for all of the interns in "the land."
What are you looking to get out of this experience?
I am looking forward to making a good network within the tech industry in Cleveland and also brushing up my tech skills.
Tabitha Raithel
Major: Marketing
Minor: Bioethics
What are you up to this summer?
I have a marketing internship in Buffalo, New York, with Twipes as a digital content associate.
How did you find out about this opportunity?
The CEO, Al, reached out to me on LinkedIn.
What has been your favorite part of the internship so far?
My favorite part of the internship has been the travel aspect of the job. On my third day of the internship I had the opportunity to fly out to Los Angeles to cover a PopSugar event and get some media for our socials. I definitely am not one who is a homebody and I was interested in looking at either remote or hybrid jobs that allows for travel, and it’s awesome that this job allows me to do that.
What are you looking to get out of this experience?
I’ve had experience from a previous opportunity to do marketing, but it was B2B and a lot of the content I was making was internal. At Twipes I am so excited to work on B2C content and to really connect with the customer base because I really believe in the product and, most importantly, the team I get to be a part of. I’m excited to work and collaborate with some of the coolest and most creative minds, and I’m also excited to be back in my hometown of Buffalo, NY.
Cullen Faulk
Major: Finance
Minor: Economics
What are you up to this summer?
This summer, I'm working as ranger for Boy Scouts of America (BSA) at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico.
What do you do in this position?
My job is to mentor scouts in backcountry skills, wilderness safety and leadership development.
The ranch covers over 190-square-miles of mountainous land and hosts upwards of 18,000 participants each summer.
Recently, I've had the opportunity to be the leader of a special trek at Philmont called "Rayado," which brings scouts ages 15-19 together on a rigorous 20-day adventure completely planned by myself and a fellow ranger.
How did you find out about this opportunity?
Having grown up in scouting and being an Eagle Scout, I've been familiar with Philmont since I joined my boy scout troop. It is considered to be the pinnacle place for outdoor adventure in the organization.
I first came on trek with my troop in 2019 and I had the privilege of being the crew leader on our 12-day adventure in the backcountry. Towards the end of the pandemic, I decided to challenge myself and become a ranger for Philmont last summer in 2022. This year, I came back to be a rayado ranger that gets to lead a special trek that I personally plan.
What have you enjoyed most about the experience so far?
The slogan for the Ranger Department is "Change Lives." With every new crew I mentor, I see the teachings I give directly help young people appreciate the natural world around them. I also get to see scouts emerge as leaders before my eyes, so the most rewarding part of my job is enabling young people to grow and learn.
Pranita Chaudhari
Area of study: MBA
What are you up to this summer?
I have an internship with Danaher Corporation.
What do you do in this position?
As a tax summer analyst within Danaher's esteemed International Taxation Department, my professional journey commenced with a focus on preparing tax returns for the company's global legal entities. Danaher, with its legal entities operating in 66 countries and generating a substantial revenue of $31 billion in 2021, presented a diverse landscape of tax rules and requirements that I navigated through. This hands-on experience exposed me to a myriad of tax regulations prevalent in various countries, enabling me to develop a comprehensive understanding of international taxation intricacies. Diligently applying this knowledge, I ensured meticulous compliance with the diverse tax frameworks, laying the foundation for my expertise in this domain.
One standout opportunity during my internship so far is the involvement in tax analysis for Pall Corporation, a critical legal entity within Danaher, boasting a significant market capitalization of $170 billion, representing approximately one-third of the company's overall value. This engagement provided me with invaluable exposure to complex taxation scenarios, further sharpening my analytical skills and deepening my interest in the ever-evolving world of international taxation.
Furthermore, the privilege of working on special projects alongside different supervisors has allowed me to explore various dimensions of taxation, nurturing my passion for continued growth and excellence in this field. Given Danaher's considerable tax contributions, amounting to around $1.2-1.5 billion annually, my role in the International Taxation Department has given me vast exposure to the world of taxation.
What has been your favorite part of the internship so far?
Throughout the internship, I had the opportunity to delve into the intricate world of diverse tax practices followed in various countries. As part of specific projects, I found myself deeply engrossed in understanding the distinct tax regulations embraced by different nations, while also analyzing the multifaceted impact of subsidies on tax variations across jurisdictions. This hands-on experience not only expanded my knowledge but also sparked a profound interest in the complexities of international tax landscapes.
Beyond the professional aspects, the internship provided a unique environment for fostering connections with fellow interns representing diverse schools, nationalities and cultures. During our lunch breaks, we engaged in meaningful discussions, sharing insights into our unique backgrounds and perspectives. This interaction not only cultivated camaraderie but also exposed me to the richness of global dynamics in the field of taxation.
Moreover, Danaher thoughtfully arranged team-building events that further enriched the experience. I had the chance to try my hand at pickleball, a sport I had never played before, and it proved to be a fun and refreshing experience with my colleagues. Additionally, attending a baseball game created an enjoyable atmosphere outside of work, allowing us to interact with supervisors and colleagues in a more relaxed setting. These events strengthened our bonds, fostering a positive and inclusive work culture, and made the internship all the more rewarding.
What are you looking to get out of this experience?
My internship journey has been an exciting blend of professional growth and personal connections, leaving me with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of international taxation and the value of embracing diversity in the professional world.
In conclusion, my internship journey has been an exciting blend of professional growth and personal connections, leaving me with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of international taxation and the value of embracing diversity in the professional world.
Additionally, I am thrilled to share that I have been fortunate enough to have my internship extended, and I will continue to be part of the team through the fall and spring semesters. This exciting opportunity has me eagerly looking forward to further learnings and contributing to the success of the company during this extended period. I am committed to making the most of this valuable experience and continuing to excel in my role.