Q: How is the D'Amore-McKim Corporate Residency different from a traditional internship?
A: What really impressed me were the job responsibilities. I was able to conduct financial analysis and own a part in the annual budgeting process—just like the other analysts. During the second half of my Corporate Residency, I was able to combine the work experience with what I learned in the classroom, helping me solve complex problems related to the financial system and data analysis.
Q: How did you impact the business?
A: I participated in the budgeting and forecasting process and conducted ad-hoc financial analyses. Reporting to the Hyperion Administrator, I also conducted various system-related tasks, including data analysis, financial report design, and tuitions database upgrade.
As I built more business knowledge and analytical skills, I also engaged in more complex projects, conducting data analysis, presenting findings and recommendations, and working with different stakeholders to ensure a smooth implementation of the solutions. I helped establish standardized processes in relevant projects and built checking templates and manuals for people who will work on my role next.
Q: How has the Corporate Residency solidified your career path or set you up for success in the long run?
A: This firsthand experience in corporate finance has been crucial. It not only helped me land a full time finance position after graduation, it also gave me the opportunity to talk to people in different functions of finance while identifying areas of interest to me.