August 24, 2020
Student Spotlight: Kelsey Jackson
Kelsey Jackson is a Senior MIS major who completed a virtual internship during the summer of 2020 with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Her internship included events like leadership workshops, scavenger hunts, networking events, and team luncheons. This COB Pirate was able to connect with employees at various seniority levels, across multiple departments, and branch locations while learning the value of company culture.
Kelsey understands how the intern experience is the best way to find out if your chosen field is the best path for you. She explained that although you learn so much in COB classes, there is so much more to learn during an internship experience. “It gives you a chance to work on projects that aren’t just for a grade. Also, I was able to shadow and interview so many people during my internship experience that I was able to discover additional careers that I never would have known about. I never thought that a CIO, a CDO, and especially not the President himself would want to take time out of their very busy schedules to speak with me, an intern. As, it turns out they were not only willing to, but they were just as excited to do so as I was. Each person I engaged with went above and beyond to provide me with both professional and personal advice.”
This student intern also made bold moves. She was hired as the project management intern but expressed interest in a business analyst role. Her COB education gave her the know-how to feel comfortable asking if she could explore that position as well. Stepping out of her comfort zone resulted in her assuming the Business Analyst role for the team. Better yet, she knows this amazing experience is something that will help tremendously in getting a job upon graduation.