Major Monday: Business major Carmen Kiewert interns with J.P. Morgan

Carmen Kiewert is known around campus as one of the top performers on and off the field, with standout performances on the soccer pitch and making the most of opportunities off-campus with an internship (and upcoming job!) at J.P. Morgan. In this Q&A, we asked Carmen to share more about her internship experience.

What are you majoring in?
I’m a Business Administration major concentrated in Finance and Marketing with an Economics minor.

How did this internship come about?
I’ve spent the last few fall semesters knee-deep in applications, cover letters, and follow-up emails and was lucky enough to find the J.P. Morgan Operations Analyst position to apply for. I applied, went through a couple rounds of interviews and was given an offer for the summer internship.

What did you do during your internship?
I was an Operations Analyst intern this past summer for J.P. Morgan Chase in Chicago, IL. I was given a group case study, a two-week project, and a nine-week project over the duration of my nine-week internship. My main project revolved around increasing project efficiency of an internal annual process in the wholesale lending services office. Additionally, there were scheduled senior leadership speakers and social events with other intern cohorts.

What were the biggest things you learned?
The biggest thing I learned in this time was the value of interpersonal skills and the value of making relationships in a business setting. I was able to secure a financial analyst full-time return role coming from an operations internship only through the efforts of networking, relationship building, and interpersonal relationships. Without making and fostering various connections throughout my internship, I would not have been able to transition programs and would likely not have gotten a return offer at all.

What was the most meaningful part of your experience?
The most meaningful part of my internship were the friends I made during this time. I was fortunate enough to be placed in a cohort of incredibly friendly and fun college students who were always open to making plans on the weekends and exploring a new city with someone also new to Chicago.

Why do you think interning is valuable?
Interning is valuable because it is hands-on, real-world experience that will help you prepare for your career after college. Without interning, I would not have known the field I want to enter into, nor would I have the opportunity I do. I’m incredibly grateful to spend my senior year preparing for a full-time job instead of looking for one.

What do you love about PLU and the School of Business?
I love the community at PLU. At the end of the day, almost everyone is willing to share a conversation, a wave, a smile, or will hold the door open for you. It’s been really amazing being a part of a community like the one in the School of Business.