Each summer, students from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics gain valuable professional-level exposure through internships. During 2021, young scholars were able to traverse the complications of the COVID-19 pandemic by pursuing an array of internships, externships and other professional development opportunities. Each profile of this series will detail a Lerner student’s experiences working on business-oriented projects.

Sophie Pleva, a Class of 2022 finance major, spent her summer interning as a controllers analyst at Goldman Sachs.

Q: How did you find out about this internship? Why did you choose it?

Pleva: I found the internship by applying online to my top picks for investment banks. I chose the internship because I always knew I wanted to work at Goldman Sachs and they were so welcoming and it was an amazing opportunity.

Q: Did the coronavirus pandemic impact your internship search and working experience? If so, how?

Pleva: The first week of orientation was online. Additionally, there was an A/B week schedule so the office was never full.

Q: What did you learn from this internship that you think you would not have learned elsewhere?

Pleva: I gained hands-on experience and was able to network with people with all different levels of experience. Additionally, I completed various tasks and programs that are not taught in the classroom.

Q: What is the most exciting task or project that you have done or are currently doing in your role?

Pleva: I created a program that automates important tasks for my team and saves them multiple full days of work throughout the year.

Q: What is an example of a time where you were able to apply what you’ve learned at Lerner to your role?

Pleva: Classes at Lerner taught me how to manage my time and how to ask for help when learning material that is confusing for me. I used these skills every day at work, which made me feel accomplished and helped me take pride in my work.

Q: How do you think this internship will aid you with your professional goals?

Pleva: This internship will help my future because I was able to secure a spot at the company. This is the beginning of my future at Goldman Sachs and allowed me to see what my career at the company will look like.

Q: What are your plans or next steps in your career once your internship is over?

Pleva: After my internship, I will be continuing my position full-time at Goldman Sachs.