Getting Credit at AMEX
Tianna Orwig
Senior Financial Analyst, American Express
Class of 2023
BBA in Business Management with minors in Economics and Marketing
Pronouns: She/Her
Before accepting a financial analyst internship at American Express, Business Management student Tianna Orwig wasn't sure a future in finance was for her. But thanks to required Lubin School of Business classes and on-campus opportunities offered by the Center for Student Enterprise, Tianna hit the ground running at American Express, and now, she can't imagine working anywhere else.
How has the Lubin School of Business helped you prepare for your current internship?
Lubin's business core requirements have helped me gain a wide range of knowledge about many different subject matters that I use in my internship (management, economics, accounting, and finance). The experiences that Lubin has granted me, such as working at the student run businesses within the Center for Student Enterprise, helped expand my leadership skills and work ethic.
What attracted you to this internship?
Working for a company as large as American Express was really appealing, as it is well renowned in the finance industry. It also has brand recognition.
Describe what a typical day looks like as an intern at American Express.
I go into the New York City office 2-3 days a week. I like to get there early so I can read the latest finance headlines. Throughout the day, I attend meetings with my team, attend events hosted through their campus recruitment team, go on coffee chats with colleagues, and most importantly work on my intern project. During the other days of the week, I do the same but work from home.
What has been the highlight or most enjoyable aspect of your internship so far?
Since my internship is hybrid, the most enjoyable part is when I get to experience being in person. I have been able to meet colleagues and fellow interns at social gatherings hosted by AMEX. We've had breakfasts with senior leaders, intern mixers, a colleague carnival, as well as many happy hours! This allows me to expand my network and have more opportunities.
How has this experience shaped or impacted your career goals?
I never thought I would want to go into the finance industry before AMEX. I didn't realize how large it is and how interesting the work can be. It definitely makes me want to work for a company like AMEX full-time because the company culture is amazing!
How will this experience impact your next semester at Lubin?
This internship has made me realize that I need to advance my technical skills. I think taking classes such as Advanced Spreadsheets and some CIS classes will really help me long term!
Even if you don't know anyone currently in the industry/company you want to work at, use LinkedIn and Lubin's alumni network to your advantage. Having mentors is really helpful!
Do you have any advice for other Lubin students who would like to pursue an internship in the future?
Start looking for internships early! Don't wait until the spring semester to look for summer internships, as a lot of programs open their applications in the early fall. Also, having connections makes a total difference. Even if you don't know anyone currently in the industry/company you want to work at, use LinkedIn and Lubin's alumni network to your advantage. Having mentors is really helpful!
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