Full-time MBA class achieves 100% summer internships/employment

Completing a summer internship is one of the most important steps in getting a job after graduating from an MBA program, and this summer Freeman School MBA students cleared that hurdle with flying colors. A remarkable 100% of the Freeman School's full-time MBA class completed an internship or other relevant professional experience in the summer of 2024, an all-time high.

"Depending on the industry and overall job market conditions, more than half of first-year MBA students typically receive job offers from their summer internship employers, so I can't overstate how critical internships are to achieving a one's desired career outcome," said Carla Coury, executive director of the Freeman School's Career Management Center. "For all of the class to complete an internship or, in the case of international students ineligible to work in the U.S., complete a professional experience, that gives them a huge advantage in getting the job offer they want following graduation."
 

In 2024, Freeman MBA students fanned out across the country for their summer internships. Below are profiles of three MBA students and their internships. 

Shreya Jhajharia (MBA ’26), who worked as a telehealth research intern at Culture Co-op, began her internship with a realization: Networking is the key to unlocking opportunities. 

At an event, Jhajharia met Melissa Lavigne-Delville, founder of market research firm Culture Co-op, whose clients include renowned brands like Hims & Hers and Chanel. Seizing the moment, she introduced herself and shared her enthusiasm for the skincare industry. 

“This networking effort paid off,” says Jhajharia. “Shortly after, I was invited for an interview and ultimately offered an internship position where I had the opportunity to oversee projects for prominent clients like Hims & Hers.”

At Culture Co-op, Jhajharia’s role allowed her to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application. She used Excel to analyze data, honed her presentation skills and practiced effective communication. 

These experiences not only reinforced her technical abilities but also confirmed her career aspirations. Jhajharia’s passion for the skincare industry grew stronger as she engaged in research on trends in hair, skin, weight, and mental health, all of which are crucial for her dream of opening a medical spa.

“The experience confirmed my career path, as I became even more passionate about the industry by witnessing firsthand the significant impact our work had on clients and their customer base,” says Jhajharia.

The internship also expanded Jhajaria’s professional network significantly. She forged valuable connections with individuals at Hims & Hers and her supervisor, who works with high-profile clients like Chanel, Netflix, Disney and Marriott. 

For Vasili Econopouly (MBA ’25), the summer was a time of strategic growth at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta, Georgia. His approach to securing the internship was methodical: leveraging his network, focusing on targeted applications and utilizing university resources such as the Freeman School’s Career Management Center.

“I tailored my resume and cover letter to match Emory Healthcare's values and needs,” says Econopouly. “Career services also provided valuable support in refining my application and interview skills.”

During his internship, Econopouly applied strategic management frameworks to analyze and improve care management workflows. His financial modeling skills were put to the test in cost-saving analyses, and leadership theories helped him navigate team dynamics. 

The internship aligned perfectly with Econopouly’s career goals in healthcare administration. 

“The exposure to real-world challenges and the impact I could make confirmed my desire to pursue this path,” says Econopouly. “If anything, the experience deepened my commitment to becoming a leader in healthcare, solidifying that this is the right direction for my career.”

Luis Saab (MBA ’25) spent his summer at Pan American Life Insurance Group (Pan-Am) in New Orleans. One of the most memorable moments of his internship was working on a project titled "Optimizing Structured Finance Portfolio through Data Management." Using his coding skills and knowledge of business intelligence software, Saab developed a platform to retrieve real-time credit KPIs using Bloomberg. 

“By employing data visualization techniques, I transformed a large dataset into an easy-to-use and customizable report,” says Saab. “It’s incredible how much operational efficiency can be achieved with data management skills.”

Saab’s internship also had an international dimension. He had the opportunity to work at Pan-Am’s location in Bogotá, immersing himself in a different cultural environment while staying connected to the company’s core values. 

“I leveraged the opportunity to broaden my perspective, build valuable connections, and gain a deeper understanding of how international business plays a crucial role in Pan-Am's success,” says Saab.

Reflecting on his internship, Saab offers valuable advice to current and future MBA students: “Be visible and actively engage in the process of meeting people during your internship. Show initiative in identifying tasks that need to be done and step up to tackle them. By being proactive and building a strong network, you’ll not only maximize the value of your internship but also create lasting connections that can benefit your career.”