Wilson College of Business interns make their mark this summer
Wilson College of Business interns make their mark this summer
Happy National Internship Day! Students from all over the Wilson College of Business are hard at work at internships across the nation. We are so proud of all of them and have been excited to hear about how they’ve applied their education.
UNI provides students with countless opportunities to land internships — from career fairs and on-campus recruiting events to guest speakers and the UNI job board. Career Services is also a valuable resource for resume reviews and interview prep, helping students connect with top hiring organizations and launch their careers.
Here’s what a few of them are up to this summer.
Lexi Hauge
Major: Marketing Management
Internship: Marketing at Sukup Manufacturing; Sheffield, Iowa
Describe your internship.
I’ve worked on video editing, graphic design, photography and special events while strengthening my skills in Adobe Creative Suite. I’ve also enhanced professional skills and gained insight into the marketing field.
What’s something exciting you’ve worked on?
Sukup Manufacturing Co. was a title sponsor for IndyCar race weekend in Iowa, where I gained hands-on experience with strategic partnerships, sat in on planning meetings and helped prepare marketing materials. I also designed an ad for World Grain, a journal distributed in over 180 countries!
Kayla Zimmer
Majors: Accounting and Finance
Internship: Finance and Portfolio Management at AbbVie; Mettawa, Illinois
Describe your internship.
I provide strategic financial and project management support to cross-functional teams, helping enhance operational efficiency and financial performance through data analysis, budget tracking, risk management and executive reporting.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned so far?
The importance of clear and strategic communication. It’s not just about having the right data; it’s about how you present it, tailor it to your audience and use it to tell a compelling story that drives action. I’ve seen firsthand how communication helps build trust, align teams and accelerate decision-making.
Kaiden Wild
Majors: Accounting and Finance
Internship: Investment Accounting at F&G Annuities; Des Moines, Iowa
Describe your internship.
I dig into audited financial statements to verify ownership of private equity funds. I also work closely with the financial planning and analysis team on financial modeling and reporting in support of strategic planning. A highlight has been collaborating with interns across departments on a capstone project we presented to senior leadership.
What would you tell other students about doing an internship?
Ask questions. The more you ask questions, the more you’ll get out of the program. If you’re interested in a different part of the company, don’t be scared to reach out to learn more.
Emily Rodriguez
Major: Human Resource Management
Internship: Human Resources at Franklin General Hospital; Hampton, Iowa
Describe your internship.
I assist with various human resources functions, including setting up colleagues in Paycom, supporting the hiring/termination process and working side-by-side with the human resources director. I also prepare key reports for employee turnover, labor statistics and compliance.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned so far?
Each individual colleague's actions contribute to the overall health and success of an organization. I have seen firsthand how each team member, from clinical staff to administrative roles, plays a vital part in creating quality care for patients and colleagues.
Jason Knox
Majors: Finance, Real Estate and Management
Internship: Investments, Private Debt Organization at Principal Financial Group; Des Moines, Iowa
Describe your internship.
I work alongside analysts and underwriters throughout a loan origination. From initial bids to loan maturity, I am creating and updating valuation models and providing necessary information for portfolio reviews.
What’s something exciting you’ve worked on?
I worked on what’s called a "problem loan,” which meant that I got to sit in on some relatively high-profile meetings very early on in my internship.
Marcelo Acosta
Major: Marketing
Internship: Video at Zirous – Applied Art and Technology; Des Moines, Iowa
Describe your internship.
I support the team by editing video content for clients and assisting on set during video shoots.
What would you tell other students about doing an internship?
Internships are essential for career growth. They give you the space to make mistakes, ask questions and truly learn. Don’t be afraid to take initiative. You’re there to grow.
Caleb Briggs
Majors: Finance, Real Estate and Management
Internship: Commercial Real Estate Brokerage at R&R Realty Group; West Des Moines, Iowa
Describe your internship.
I assist the brokers with a variety of different tasks such as market research, property analysis, deal preparation and organization. I also shadow the brokers during showings.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned so far?
I have learned the importance of relationships in real estate and what community connections can do for your business.
Crystal Benjamin
Major: Finance and Marketing
Internship: Intern at Opportunity Bank of Montana; Billings, MT
Describe your internship.
In my internship I handle customer transactions and large cash flow. In addition, I shadow different departments within the bank to get a better understanding of the various roles and operations.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned so far?
I’ve enjoyed learning how money moves through the bank system and eventually to the Federal Reserve. It’s fascinating to see the full cycle up close.
Alexander O’Neal
Majors: Supply Chain Management and Finance
Internship: Logistics Intern at Pella Corporation; Pella, Iowa
Describe your internship.
As a logistics intern, I’m working on multiple projects focused on fleet efficiency and identifying ways to improve existing processes. I also support broader logistics initiatives across the department.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned so far?
I've learned how important it is to understand how your decisions impact the entire organization. Success comes from recognizing how each department's goals and strategies work together.
