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Transitioning from being a student to being a member of the work force can be difficult for some college students. For Megan Gagliardi ’08 (Hanover Township, Pa.), however, using what she recently learned in class allowed her to make a smooth transition during her internship this summer.
“It’s definitely interesting to see what I have learned about in class at Lafayette actually used by the company in the day-to-day tasks,” says the economics and business major. “I think many times when taking a class people feel it’s useless because there is a limited understanding of how it works in the ‘real world.’”
Gagliardi interned at Penn Millers Insurance Company in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., under the guidance of alumnus Jon Couch ’91, assistant vice president and controller at Penn Millers.
“I work on various projects that other people in Financial Services, or sometimes in other departments, need help with,” says Gagliardi. “The internship is not overly structured, which is good because it gives me a chance to work on a variety of projects, making the experience more beneficial and interesting.”
Couch says that the internship allowed Gagliardi to experience a wide array of activities.
“The internship involves working on accounting activities, such as preparing and recording monthly entries into the general ledger system,” he says.
Gagliardi says she already feels as though she’s gained an edge on those who will be entering the workforce with her.
“Many employers prefer people with some kind of experience, if not in that particular field, in the job market in general, so I can highlight my time working at Penn Millers,” she says. “I think it will also show potential employers I am responsible by committing to a full time internship. I also think working with other people on projects will help me collaborate effectively with my coworkers in whatever job I find after graduation.”
Couch also says that Gagliardi’s educational experience had been heightened by her time at Penn Millers.
“Anytime you can get a student in a workplace setting, it’s good for them,” he says.
Gagliardi serves as The Lafayette newspaper advertising editor, Delta Delta Delta sorority treasurer and an After School Mentoring Club volunteer. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society; Omicron Delta Epsilon Economics and Business Honor Society, the Investment Club, College Democrats, and is a peer tutor.