Elon students share their Big Apple experiences

Elon University students Ashlyn Neugeboren ‘25, Ryan Logan ‘25, and Julianne O'Keefe ‘25 spent their summer interning in the fast-paced setting of New York City.

Three Elon University students from the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business—Ashlyn Neugeboren ’25, Ryan Logan ’25 and Julianne O’Keefe ’25—spent their summer interning in New York City, exploring fields in design, finance, and banking.

Ryan Logan ’25: Auditing a Future in Banking

A photo of Ryan Logan '25, an accounting major
Ryan Logan ’25, an accounting major

Logan, an accounting major from Long Island, New York, spent his summer interning at Scotiabank’s New York City office in the internal audit department.

“Internal audit gives you insight into different sectors of the bank,” said Logan. “You’re not just confined to one area; you get to see operations, markets, and more.”

Assigned to the Audit Professional Practice group, Logan’s role was to audit the auditors’ work, ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulatory standards.

“I reviewed audits conducted by our teams in Canada, making sure they adhered to all the audit policies,” Logan said.

“I reviewed an entire audit by myself,” he shared. “It was a great opportunity to grow and learn through the process.”

Commuting from Long Island, Logan embraced the energy of New York City.

“I think New York City is the greatest city in the world,” Logan said. “There’s always something to do.”

Midway through his internship, Scotiabank opened applications for its intern conversion program, allowing interns to apply for full-time positions in different sectors. Seizing the opportunity, Logan applied for and secured a position in the bank’s two-year Corporate and Investment Banking rotational program.

Logan credits the Elon Business Fellows program for preparing him for this opportunity.

“It’s the reason I chose Elon,” Logan said. “The program has prepared me for my internship and life beyond Elon.”

Julianne O’Keefe ’25: Data Analytics with a Purpose

A photo of Julianne O'Keefe '25, a business analytics major
Julianne O’Keefe ’25, a business analytics major

O’Keefe, a business analytics major from Long Island, New York, spent her summer interning at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

“After my first interview with the Corporate Group, I knew this was the perfect place for me,” said O’Keefe. “The field of data architecture was something I was truly excited to explore.”

As a Data Architect Intern, O’Keefe’s responsibilities included revitalizing operational Tableau dashboards by integrating comprehensive data updates, enhancing data visualizations, and improving user experience. She automated dashboards for various analytical purposes, focusing on user-friendly design and seamless data integration.

“I developed advanced skills in ETL processes and automation using Tableau Prep Builder,” O’Keefe said. “I also honed my ability to present complex data in a visually compelling way that was digestible for stakeholders.”

Her internship offered unique experiences, including visits to the New York Fed’s gold vault and cash operation center, as well as networking sessions with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, President and CEO John Williams, and First Vice President and COO Sushmita Shukla.

O’Keefe credits her mentor, an experienced data architect, for much of her professional growth. “The guidance I received helped me navigate challenges and maximize my learning experience,” she said.

She valued the advice from Louis D’Souza, CFO of EAC Network, whom she met during a previous internship.

“He told me to take risks while you’re young and always stay curious,” O’Keefe said. “That advice has really stuck with me.”

Ashlyn Neugeboren ’25: Designing a Path Less Traveled

A photo of Ashlyn Neugeboren '25, a marketing major
Ashlyn Neugeboren ’25, a marketing major

Neugeboren, a marketing major from New Canaan, Connecticut, drew from her lifelong passion for interior design, a love that started with her grandmother’s eclectic and story-filled pieces in her home, for the industry of her marketing internship.

“I always had an eye for rearranging things and making spaces my own,” said Neugeboren. “It’s a way of self-expression, and there’s such an art to interior design that really grabs me and excites me.”

Taking the initiative, Neugeboren researched interior design firms in New York City, crafting personalized cover letters and résumés. Her persistence paid off when she secured an internship with Mark Cunningham Inc.

At Mark Cunningham, Neugeboren’s responsibilities were diverse. She organized fabric libraries, assisted with data entry using Studio Designer software and ran errands across the city.

“Every day was different,” Neugeboren said. “Even the little errands, like putting designs together, were very soothing. I felt the responsibility of being an intern and wanted to show them I’m willing to work hard.”

Neugeboren plans to continue pursuing interior design and possibly attend a design school after graduation. Her dream is to return to New York City and work for a firm like Mark Cunningham Inc.

Her advice to fellow students considering internships in the city? “Invest in good shoes, make sure you have a social life, and let life happen to you,” Neugeboren said. “Experience everything the city has to offer.”

Internships

Elon’s nationally recognized Student Professional Development Center counselors work with undergraduates from their first year to create personal development plans, résumés and strong networking skills. Through internships, students earn academic credit, gain firsthand knowledge of the workplace and obtain professional skills that put them ahead of other college graduates. Elon partners with an expansive network of employers across the country who actively recruit students for internships and full-time positions.