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Economics and business major Laura Foudy ’05 (Fairfield, Conn.) delved into the world of financial public relations during a recent externship at FRB/Weber Shandwick, a New York City consulting firm.
She observed and participated in a variety of activities during two full days shadowing Alison Ziegler Fischer ’87, vice president of the firm, which specializes in financial communications and the investment community.
Foudy was among about 200 students who gained first-hand knowledge of the professional world in January during winter break. They served externships with alumni and other experienced professionals in business, the arts, education, healthcare, law, engineering, science, government, non-profits, and other fields. The students observed work practices, learned about careers they may consider entering after college, developed professional networking contacts, and built their resumes.
“The two days were really helpful,” Foudy says. “Alison showed me a lot of aspects of her job.” Foudy, who is mulling a career in finance or public relations, says she felt an instant connection with Fischer.
Foudy’s first day included meeting with a client and an opportunity to help assemble promotional packets the company was sending to its customers. On the second day, she observed a conference call and met a vendor. She also met and spoke with several FRB/Weber Shandwick employees who explained their responsibilities and provided insight into the ways they keep the firm’s clients happy.
“I’m undecided about my career, so this was really interesting,” she says. “I didn’t know anything about investor relations before this, and I was unaware of how many different things there are out there to do for a career.”
“I’ve been hosting externships for at least five years. They always go very well. I try to make it as informative and ‘real life’ as I can,” Fischer says. “I did an externship myself as a junior in college and thought it was valuable. It helped narrow the options I thought I’d be interested in.”
Foudy is a graduate of Greens Farms Academy.