Capital One, McLean, Virginia

LinkedIn Profile

What is great about your co-op?

Prior to coming to Capital One, I had always heard about how being a culture fit is so important. I never fully understood this until I got to Capital One - I felt at home and was able to be my authentic self throughout my internship! The people that surrounded me, whether it be other interns or associates and senior leaders, were always eager to support me in my endeavors and treated me with the utmost respect. In addition to building strong friendships with other interns, I had the opportunity to meet 80+ individuals through meet and greets! Each individual had a great story to share, and it has undoubtedly influenced my career goals and mindset.

In what ways has Saunders/RIT prepared you for the job market?

The co-op program at RIT gives students the opportunity to gain professional experience before entering the workforce upon graduation. Although co-ops are not handed out to you, Saunders faculty and staff prepare you to find the position and company that is right for each student. Additionally, the clubs and organizations within and outside of Saunders offer students the opportunity to be in leadership roles that simulate professional experiences most closely, with the exception of co-ops, of course. Being in these leadership roles holds students accountable as they are responsible for a group of students. It also inevitably puts challenges on their paths, which ultimately results in invaluable learning experiences that can be leveraged during co-ops and beyond.

Why did you decide to attend Saunders College of Business at RIT?

I chose to attend Saunders College of Business at RIT because of the technological advantage that the college offers. Technology is at the forefront of our society today, and it will continue to be in the future. As a business student competing against others across the nation in similar areas of study, I believe that RIT and Saunders has equipped me with a tech background that gives me an edge over other candidates. Additionally, the smaller size of the business school at RIT allows for more meaningful relationships to be built as the faculty and staff know students more personally, which allows for better advice and guidance.

What do you feel is the most distinctive advantage gained from your Saunders experience?

As mentioned previously, the co-op program and technological aspects of Saunders offers the most distinctive advantage. To go into the advantages of the co-op a bit more, I would say that the professional experience that is gained here taps into skill sets that are more difficult to come by in the classroom. For instance, the ability to network effectively, communicate complex ideas to unique groups of people, managing conflicts with management and stakeholders, etc. These are just a few examples of skills that are important for any student's success in a professional work environment.