UF Heavener students make waves in summer internships

As summer reaches its peak, students from the University of Florida’s Heavener School of Business are stepping into the professional world to acquire invaluable real world experiences with leading global and international companies. These undergraduates are embracing a variety of internship opportunities that promise to shape their future careers, gaining hands-on experience, networking with industry leaders, and applying their classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. This summer, Heavener students are active participants in the business ecosystem, proving their ambition and laying the groundwork for their professional journeys. 

Explore the internships Heavener students are engaging in this summer, what their goals are for their experiences, and what they’ve learned from their opportunities. 

Amanda Veltri | BSBA ’25

Internship: Sales Intern | L’Oreal USA | Hudson Yards, New York City 

Internship Goal: “My main goal is to gain more knowledge on how to negotiate and sell products to buyers at an upper level. I also hope to expand my presentation skills and time management abilities. Another goal of mine is to meet as many people as I can and learn about their various positions. Working for a company of such a grand scale comes with a lot of niche positions that are incredibly interesting.”

What I’ve learned from my internship: “During this past month I have learned so much about L’Oreal and the products we sell. We produce over 30 products and sell to thousands of retailers across the United States. This internship will set me up for my future career after graduation. It has also taught me a lot about sales which I know will be helpful in my final professional selling classes this upcoming year.” 

Amaya Jones | BSBA ’25

Internship: Risk and Compliance Intern | Protiviti | Charlotte, North Carolina 

Internship Goal: “At the start of this internship, I created SMART goals that included expanding my network beyond my current solution, enhancing my understanding of data analytics, and joining an Employee Network Group (ENG). Additionally, I aim to learn how to conduct risk assessments and gain proficiency in using compliance software and tools. I also hope to gain practical experience in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks within corporate environments. I aim to understand compliance frameworks and their application in real-world scenarios.”

What I’ve learned from my internship: “I have enhanced my networking skills and conducted research focused on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) practices within the banking sector. This research has deepened my understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance frameworks specific to AML. Additionally, I have begun to establish valuable connections within the industry, which will further my learning and professional growth throughout the internship. This internship will enhance my education and academic success by providing me with valuable, hands-on experience in consulting projects. By working on real-world projects, I will gain practical insights into client interactions, delivering client-focused solutions, and collaborating with a consulting team. This experience will complement my studies by allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.”

Aya Aldorri | BSBA ’27

Internship: Customer Success Analyst | NextEra Energy | West Palm Beach, Florida 

Internship Goal: “As an intern with the Major and Governmental (MGA) Accounts team, which oversees the corporate and governmental customers of Florida Power and Light, I hope that this internship will teach me the necessary technical skills required to extract and analyze customer data in order to effectively segment and target these key stakeholders. One of my main goals for this internship is to expose myself to as many business units at NextEra Energy as possible. The company advocates for continuous learning and change which I’m grateful to have experienced through my collaboration with the Data Analytics team. I also hope to earn my Lean Six Sigma Yellow certification, validating an individual’s proficiency in process improvement methodologies to minimize defects and variations.”

What I’ve learned from my internship: “Working extensively with Microsoft Excel has improved my data management and graphical visualization skills. I’ve also had the opportunity to learn and grow my skills in Salesforce, a CRM software that includes our MGA customer data, as well as Microsoft Visio to create a process flowchart depicting my customer segmentation method. This internship will enhance my education by providing hands-on experience in customer segmentation, allowing me to apply my finance knowledge to real-world data analysis and strategic decision-making. By working with the Customer Success team, I will gain valuable insights into customer behavior and market segmentation, essential skills for finance tracks like consulting and corporate finance. Additionally, this experience will strengthen my analytical abilities, improve my data interpretation skills, and expand my professional network, better preparing me for a successful career in my field.”

Maya Bhola | BSBA ’25

Internship: U.S. Private Bank Summer Analyst | JP Morgan | Miami, Florida 

Internship Goal: “One of my main goals is to develop strong prospecting skills, which I believe are essential for success in the banking industry. Another key goal for my internship is to gain hands-on experience with financial analysis. This involves analyzing market trends, evaluating investment opportunities, and understanding the intricacies of portfolio management. Understanding the operational aspects of private banking is my third main goal. This includes learning about the processes and systems that support private banking services, from transaction execution to regulatory compliance.”

What I’ve learned from my internship: “So far, I have learned valuable time management skills, improved my ability to analyze market trends, and enhanced my teamwork capabilities. This internship experience will enhance my education by providing practical knowledge and real-world insights that will enrich my academic pursuits and prepare me for a successful career in the financial industry. The opportunity to work in the Miami office has exposed me to a diverse range of financial scenarios, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge from my studies to real-world situations.”