August 23, 2019
Student Spotlight: Jacob Heintze
Senior, Jacob Heintze, is concentrating in both Accounting and Management Information Systems. This summer he interned at CAPTRUST Financial Advisors in Raleigh, NC. We sat down with Jacob for an update on his internship.
How did you learn about the internship?
I learned about this internship through an email blast to College of Business students sent by Lee Brown.
How did the College of Business prepare you for this successful internship?
The College of Business prepared me for success at CAPTRUST by demonstrating the importance of networking and communicating professionally while also teaching relevant topics. Having the basic knowledge of financial reporting and budgeting allowed me to understand and have educated conversations with my manager and finance team.
Describe your internship.
At CAPTRUST, I worked in the Finance department to build client accounts, worked with due diligence on acquisitions, and reviewed monthly and quarterly financial statements and budgets. Also, I had the opportunity to network and learn from employees in the application development, participant advisory services, and financial advisory teams. I learned so much not only from the work but also the culture that encouraged me to meet and speak with just about every upper-level executive. Outside of work, I went to three volunteer events and played on the intern kickball team (New Kids on the Block)!
Describe your experience at the College of Business.
COB instructors use their relevant experience to teach lectures and design assignments that are applicable to what we will see in the work environment. In addition, my professors have been incredible mentors and are always willing to help me on my journey to my future career. I also enjoy being a part of the Student Accounting Society and Investment Club which allows me to network with fellow business students and professionals.
What was the moment during your internship where you knew that your ECU COB education has paid off?
About two weeks into my internship, I sat down with my manager, Dale Delserone, to discuss CAPTRUST’s revenue. I was shocked that the intermediate accounting courses had allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of the different revenue streams and how they are reported.
Why would you recommend a business student take advantage of an internship opportunity?
I would encourage any business student to take full advantage of an internship before you graduate, because you get the chance to see what a job in your future career would look like. It sounds scripted, but my internship allotted me the flexibility to shadow professionals in various departments, which would not have been as feasible in a permanent position. Also, this internship expanded my perspective on future career plans do to my ability to shadow a range of departments.
What would be the one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you?
I can solve a Rubik’s cube in under a minute!