“I was always told going abroad would change you as a person, but I never knew that feeling was real,” said McDermott, a marketing and international business major from Newburyport, Mass. “If you had asked me three years ago where I thought I’d be, studying in Australia and working in Singapore would have never crossed my mind.”

This spring, the second-year class in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business’s Business Fellows program studied abroad together through a new Asia-Pacific semester experience. The program began with coursework in Sydney, Australia, continued with a week in Vietnam and concluded with full-time internships in Singapore.

In Sydney, students took courses in management, marketing, operations and supply chain, and Australian life and culture. They then traveled to Vietnam for company meetings, lectures from local faculty and cultural activities before beginning internship placements in Singapore through Global Academic Ventures.

For McDermott, the semester’s first weeks in Australia helped her build confidence in unfamiliar settings.

“By immersing myself in the culture, I found an increase in my confidence levels,” McDermott said. “I became more independent, more willing to take risks and more open-minded in situations that once would have felt daunting.”

Her internship in Singapore also challenged her expectations. McDermott expected more content creation work, but her early assignments focused on writing scripts for a developing podcast.

“I learned that not every professional experience will fit perfectly into my expectations, and growth often comes from the assignments that challenge me the most,” McDermott said.

Eli Karpas ’28, a finance major from Houston, Texas, chose the program because he wanted to explore a part of the world he had never experienced.

“I chose this program because I wanted to explore Asia, a new area of the world I’ve never been to,” Karpas said.

While in Australia, Karpas said he embraced the daily rhythm of Sydney, from morning runs along Bondi Beach to afternoons at beachside cafes after class. The semester also gave him opportunities to travel beyond Sydney, including Fiji, Tasmania and New Zealand.

“I didn’t expect there to be so many opportunities to travel outside of Sydney,” Karpas said.

In Singapore, Karpas worked as an investment analyst at a boutique private advisory firm.

“I was thrown into real work from day one,” Karpas said. “I reviewed and created pitch decks for fund managers, built market maps, wrote about global events affecting private markets and attended a conference on artificial intelligence in the workforce.”

Olivia Gover ’28, a marketing major from Stamford, Conn., said her internship helped her better understand cross-cultural communication. Working with colleagues from a variety of cultural and professional backgrounds, she learned how strongly workplace communication depends on patience, curiosity and mutual understanding.

“Not only was I able to build a deeper connection with the people I work with, but I also gained new global knowledge,” Gover said.

Some of that learning happened in everyday moments. Coworkers taught her local expressions, shared food during lunch and asked questions about life in the United States.

“This showed me how a well-rounded work environment requires mutual understanding of one another, allowing relationships to build,” Gover said.

For Parker Forgash ’28, an entrepreneurship major from Laguna Beach, Calif., the internship showed him the difference between classroom confidence and professional readiness.

“There was a version of me from before this semester who thought he was pretty prepared,” Forgash said. “He had taken the finance courses, written the case studies, and could talk about markets with enough fluency to feel confident in a classroom.”

That confidence was tested when Forgash received an open-ended research assignment early in his internship. With no template and a real deadline, he had to analyze unfamiliar markets, organize his findings and work through uncertainty.

“Delivering that report was the first moment I felt like I was actually contributing something real, not just completing an assignment for a grade,” Forgash said.

By the end of the semester, the experience had changed how students understood themselves as learners and future professionals.

“If I were sitting in an interview, I would want an employer to know that I am someone who can easily adapt, communicate effectively, and be placed outside my comfort zone,” McDermott said. “This abroad experience has shaped me as a student today and the professional I hope to become.”

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Coming to Elon wasn’t a leap into the unknown for Kate Cooper ’26. It was a path already shaped in part by her sisters’ experiences. What she built from there, though, became entirely her own.

Her sisters’ time at Elon introduced her to the value of small class sizes and close relationships with faculty, where conversations extend beyond the classroom and often lead to new opportunities. But it was her acceptance into the Business Fellows program that made her decision clear.

“Once I got into the Business Fellows program, that’s what really sealed the deal for me,” Cooper said. “I knew I’d have access to alumni networks, career opportunities and experiential learning.”

Cooper, a finance major from Chalfont, Pennsylvania, found her direction through real estate, drawn to the field’s ability to shape how people live, work and connect with their communities.

“I like real estate for its ability to shape the way people live, work and play,” Cooper said. “There is something really special about seeing how decisions about a property can improve the experience of the people and communities around it.”

That interest came into focus through hands-on experiences both inside and outside the classroom. A real estate conference in New York City became a turning point.

During the trip, Cooper toured properties, connected with industry professionals and began building relationships that would shape her next steps in real estate.

One of those connections eventually led to an internship with Rose Associates, a property management and investment firm focused on luxury apartment properties in New York City and surrounding markets. She continued working with the firm during her senior year and will join Rose Associates full-time after graduation.

Cooper’s path into real estate also took shape in the classroom. An economics course with Steve DeLoach pushed her to think differently early in her Elon experience, while principles of finance with Kate Upton gave her a stronger foundation in the field. In real estate modeling, Cooper connected that preparation directly to her career goals, learning Argus, an industry software platform she later became certified in.

Margarita Kaprielyan, associate dean and faculty advisor for the Real Estate Club, became one of Cooper’s most influential mentors.

“Professor Kaprielyan has been one of the most influential mentors in my Elon experience,” Cooper said. “She was always looking out for opportunities that could help me grow and helping me think through what came next.”

Leadership became another defining part of her time at Elon. Cooper served as president of both the Real Estate Club and Women in Sales, creating opportunities for students to connect with alumni and explore career paths.

In the Real Estate Club, she developed a comprehensive resource guide for students interested in real estate, outlining certifications, modeling tools and ways to gain experience beyond the classroom.

“I wanted to put myself in uncomfortable positions so I could grow,” she said. “Being in those leadership roles helped me figure out my style, but it also gave me the chance to help students who were once in my shoes.”

Her Elon experience also extended beyond the United States. Through the Business Fellows program, Cooper traveled to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, marking her first time abroad. She later studied in London, where she completed an internship connected to the real estate and events industry while taking courses across the city.

“Studying abroad expanded my worldview and changed the way I think about how I want to live my life,” Cooper said. “I was learning through the city, through my internship and through the people around me. That kind of experience teaches you things you can’t always get from a classroom alone.”

For Cooper, those connections, both on campus and through Elon’s alumni network, have been central to her success.

“We have such an amazing alumni network,” she said. “People are always willing to help if you reach out.”

As she prepares for life after graduation, Cooper reflects on an experience shaped by mentorship, initiative and a willingness to step into new opportunities.

“My advice is to take advantage of everything Elon offers,” she said. “There are so many opportunities here, but you have to go after them.”

Twenty Fellows collaborated on developing a U.S. market-entry strategy for Uniwellsity, a European digital wellness company focused on emotional learning and mental well-being. As the project progressed, eight students traveled to Prague to represent the team and deliver the final presentation to the client.

“Throughout the year, I stretched my global business perspective by thinking critically about how a Czech-based company could successfully integrate into the U.S. market,” said Maren Giambanco, a marketing major from Norwood, Mass. “Being able to then fully immerse myself in Czech culture during our visit made the entire experience even more unique and eye-opening.”

Her experience reflects the broader scope of the project, which required students to move beyond theory and into the complexities of entering a highly competitive market.

As the work progressed, teams analyzed positioning, refined strategy and collaborated across time zones to ensure the final deliverable reflected the full group’s efforts.

“Meeting with Czech Founders, a venture capital firm in Prague, was incredibly insightful, especially in understanding how they assess pitch decks and the qualifications that determine which ideas are strong enough to be part of their portfolio,” said Em Orendorff, a finance major from Annapolis, Md. “I also found it interesting learning about how the startup environment in the EU differs from the U.S.”

Those interactions offered additional context for the team’s recommendations and expanded their understanding of global business practices.

“Presenting in Prague made everything feel real,” said Jack Poulos, an economics major from New Albany, Ohio. “It was the first time I could clearly see how the work we do in the classroom translates directly into real-world impact.”

The experience reflected the expectations of a professional consulting environment, where preparation, adaptability and clear communication shaped every stage of the project.

“The presentation wasn’t just the end of two semesters of hard work,” said Jadon Dorsey ’26, an economic consulting major from Charleston, W.Va. “It showed how confidence, teamwork and believing in something can come together to create something meaningful.”

For many, the trip marked the moment when the city shifted from an abstract aspiration to a tangible future. It was not just a place to visit, but a place they could one day work and lead.

More than 50 Business Fellows participated across two cohorts in early fall 2025. The finance cohort visited firms from Monday, Sept. 29 to Wednesday, Oct. 1. The accounting cohort followed one week later, from Monday, Oct. 6 to Wednesday, Oct. 8.

From small companies to major corporations, the groups quickly discovered that they can act now for their future careers.

“I have already followed up with Logan Bernstein ’25 at Wells Fargo and he advised me to also connect with his colleague, JamiLynn Rufo ’07,” said Coulter Letzerich ’28, a finance major from Austin, Texas. “She shared more about sales and trading, and I am genuinely excited to continue that connection.”

Lauren Shafer ’28, a finance major from Baltimore, left the experience with greater self-awareness.

“This trip helped me better understand which types of positions I might enjoy and which ones may not be the best fit for me,” said Shafer. “I also realized that I may thrive more in a smaller company environment rather than a large corporation.”

Beyond exposure to competitive environments, the trip served as a direct bridge to �þ��� alumni now succeeding in the industry.

“The alumni were incredibly approachable and offered meaningful insights into their careers,” Letzerich said. “The conversations at Wells Fargo made the company feel less intimidating. It was especially impactful to hear that April Frazer ’03, the CFO for CIB Banking, takes time to get to know everyone on her team.”

A theme emerged throughout the visit.

“Many of the professionals emphasized that the internship we choose is not the job we will have forever,” Shafer said. “It was a helpful reminder that we do not need to feel pressured to find the perfect role immediately.”

Other Fellows reflected on how the experience widened their perspective.

“Although the trip was primarily focused on finance, I quickly saw how media, real estate, and technology all overlap,” said Parker Forgash ’28, a finance major from Laguna Beach, Calif. “It reinforced the idea that success often comes from being adaptable and cross-functional rather than narrowly focused on one track.”

The accounting cohort returned with both confirmed ambitions and new possibilities.

“This experience solidified my dream to work at a Big Four accounting firm in New York City after graduating from �þ���,” said Izzy Butler ’28, an accounting major from Virginia Beach, Va. “Hearing how alumni built their careers reinforced the importance of strong teamwork and meaningful collaboration, especially through group projects.”

“This trip expanded my understanding of what a career in accounting can actually look like,” said Gia Rosko ’28, an accounting major from Cleveland, Ohio. “At companies like Lyft, I saw how accounting fuels innovation and strategic decision-making across industries, not just within traditional audit or tax roles.”

All were given advice that they will be carrying forward.

From alumni and employers:

• Following up is more powerful than a strong first impression.
• The first job does not define the future; careers evolve.
• Curiosity and initiative matter as much as technical skills.
• A strong network is a long-term form of capital.

The Business Fellows also have their own advice for future �þ��� students considering going on company visits:

• Treat every company visit as a serious opportunity. The experience is ultimately what you make of it, and preparation and engagement matter.
• Focus on building genuine relationships, not just collecting contacts. Alumni truly want to help, but authentic conversation makes the difference.
• Do not feel pressured to have your entire career figured out. Professionals emphasized that your first role does not define your future.
• Stay open to career paths you did not originally consider. Some of the most valuable insights came from unexpected places.

Companies Visited:

• Matrix Applications
• Atlas SP Partners
• Richard Bernstein Advisors
• Wells Fargo
• Goldman Sachs
• Bloomberg
• Guggenheim Partners
• Blackstone
• JP Morgan
• Nasdaq
• FBI
• Deloitte
• PwC
• Rödl & Partner
• Closed Loop
• Lyft
• EY

Coming to Elon from Annapolis, Maryland, the small class sizes and opportunities for professor and peer mentorship enticed her to study at Elon. Her decision was led by a need for connection and community on campus, mentioning.

Freshman year, while with her peers in the Business Fellows, she realized others knew their finance education would lead them into a career, but not knowing her own path, she sought guidance from Chris Harris, associate professor of finance and chair of the Department of Finance. After an honest discussion of her likes, dislikes, aspirations and goals, she knew wealth management was the path she wanted to pursue.

“Wealth management is perfect for what I want to do, and it’s very rewarding, very analytical and (focused on) problem-solving, but it also has a client side and personal side, where you get to actually help people and change their lives for the better,” said Orendorff.

Being the president of the Women in Finance club, she faced some initial challenges in her understanding of finance and the ratio of women to men in her classes.

“There’s probably me and three other girls, if I’m lucky,” she said.

She also notes that finance doesn’t come naturally to her, saying, “I have to work a lot harder for it to stick.”

Being a leader in the club, she took these challenges head-on. Not letting the drawbacks get her down, she placed her focus on mentorship.

“The executive team and I are acting as big sisters who have gone through the process,” she said. “I wanted a big sister in the process, and that’s what I’m trying to offer these girls in the club. There’s so much space for us, I want to let women know that.”

Her participation in the Business Fellows also helped challenge her personal growth.

“I came to school with the mindset that I already had 40 best friends in my cohort. That changed everything for me when adjusting to college,” said Orendorff. “These people are ambitious, they’re extremely intelligent, they’re hard working and they push me to be the same. They’re involved in everything, and it’s not a competition, but I’m challenged for the better, and I really love being in a space like that.”

She says that this environment has also pushed her to be more forward-thinking and ambitious towards her goals in her finance career.

All of this growth and opportunity is supported by donors through the Dr. Beth Powell Business Fellows Scholarship and the Presidential Scholarship.

“My scholarships have equipped me to do so much at Elon and have assisted me and encouraged me to be more engaged and involved on campus,” she said.

Her scholarship helped her study abroad in Florence, Italy, where she was able to further her studies and grow in confidence.

“I was able to be more present in the world around me, and that’s an experience that I’ll never take for granted,” she explained. “It was all due to the scholarships that I got, which enabled me to be there.”

Through this experience, Orendorff recognizes the strength and confidence it took to put herself out there and be open to experiences in a country and culture foreign to her.

“I’m proud of how I didn’t doubt myself. I knew I could do it, and I created the steps, and I did so much because I didn’t restrict myself by thinking ‘I can’t do this.’ Instead, I said, ‘I’m going to find a way.’ I grew a lot in my confidence,” she said.

With this strengthened confidence and sense of self, she is inching towards graduation in May. Having been challenged and pushed by her peers and professors, she expresses that her growth mindset has her in the thought pattern of, “What’s the next best thing I need to achieve? What’s the next best thing I should grow towards?”

When asked what she would say to the donors who made her experiences possible, Orendorff expresses that ‘thank you’ will never be enough in her eyes. She hopes donors realize the impact they have.

“Each thing a student accomplishes is because of their support; each donor plays a part in a student’s story,” she said.

“Every professor I met was involved beyond the classroom,” the finance major from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, said. “That energy pushed me to take an early concept and build something real.”

George had envisioned an online marketplace where student-run ventures share a professionally built storefront, seamless payment processing and pooled traffic. The boost to make the idea a reality came during the senior-year Business Fellows trip to Prague.

“While touring a fintech firm, I explained the platform I’d been refining,” he recalled. “The CEO offered to integrate his company’s payment system and become my partner.”

Weekly Zoom sprints across six time zones followed. A demo will be finished this summer, with plans to onboard student ventures by Fall 2025.

“Most student entrepreneurs juggle coursework, branding and backend logistics,” George said. “Our platform hands them a customizable storefront and folds everyone into one marketplace. When one venture attracts shoppers, all of us benefit.”

He hopes the site becomes “the first stop for anyone who wants to support peer-run businesses.”

George credits the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business for giving him a market-savvy lens that impressed his new partners.

“Understanding U.S. consumer behavior and regulations turned out to be exactly what our Prague collaborators needed,” he said.

That reputation also led another Prague CEO to invite George to craft a U.S. market-entry strategy, an experience he calls “one of the most rewarding of my college career.”

Guidance from Professor Tina Das, Professor Raj Gupta and Porter Center advisor Cindy Sweeney kept the project on track.

“Professor Das opened doors I didn’t know existed, Professor Gupta showed me how to turn finance theory into action, and Ms. Sweeney was my career compass from day one,” George said.

After Commencement, George will join Deloitte’s Risk & Financial Advisory practice in Government & Public Services.

“It’s okay not to have everything figured out,” he said. “If you chase what feels meaningful, you’ll keep moving in the right direction and �þ��� gives you countless chances to do just that.”

“Presenting a U.S. market‑entry plan for Phonexia made everything we’d studied feel real,” said Nathaniel Lerman ’25, an accounting major from Baltimore, Md. “We analyzed the competition, mapped potential partners and showed how their voice‑tech could fit government security needs back home.”

Late‑night rehearsals brought every work stream together. The finance team built three‑year projections from limited data, while others refined competitive analysis and slides.

“When we arrived in Prague, started to organize all of our research, and finally came up with a story to pull it all together, that’s when I started to feel confident in our strategy,” said Ava Fitzgerald ’25, a marketing and international business major from Haddonfield, N.J. “We practiced the presentation countless times, and I got feedback from my peers and our instructor, David Goslin, that was extremely helpful.”

The pace was demanding 12‑hour sessions fueled by fast food and four years of knowing exactly who could handle which task when pressure spiked.

“At the start, it felt like we were pushing a square rock up a hill,” said Eli Gould ’25, a business analytics major from Chicago, Ill. “Once we started writing and applying solid research, the square became a circle and everything moved.”

Work wrapped, the Fellows traded laptops for local culture. A Mozart dinner in Prague’s historic district introduced many to opera for the first time, while Easter‑market stalls and the Jewish Quarter offered souvenirs and quiet reflection.

“Standing on the roof for our group photo, a wave of accomplishment washed over me,” Gould said. “We’d finished a tough project and grown closer as friends.”

The group quickly learned that career paths rarely follow a single script. “We met teams at Digitas, Schneider Electric, Wayfair, Matter Communications, FactSet and the Red Sox,” said Skylar Zimmerly ’27, a marketing major from West Islip, N.Y. “Hearing how alumni built on their Elon leadership roles proved the value of stepping outside my comfort zone.”

Company culture surfaced as another constant. “Every alumnus told us culture is the biggest factor in success,” said Jackson Steiner ’27, a project‑management and finance double major from Newport, R.I. “Their stories made Boston feel like a place where I could start my career.”

Versatility in business skills resonated, too. “Talking with Steph Luchene at the Red Sox proved accounting skills translate to any industry,” said Avery Wilson ’27, a marketing major from Rochester, N.Y. “Conversations at Schneider Electric and FactSet showed that marketing drives sustainability and efficiency everywhere.”

Candid advice about learning on the job also stuck. “Wayfair alumni admitted no one begins a role knowing everything,” noted Gabriella Czerveny ’27, a marketing major from Charlotte, N.C. “It reminded me to ask questions and keep learning.”

Across meetings, alumni urged the Fellows to focus on experience first and titles later—a message that echoed throughout the trip.

Company visits

• Digitas – Abby Walsh ’20, Emily Sheridan ’20
• Schneider Electric – Yukika Nozawa
• Wayfair – Emma Doherty ’24
• Boston Red Sox – Steph Luchene ’20
• Matter Communications – Haley Sinacole ’21, Josh Ford
• FactSet – Nick Marken ’22

After the company visits on one of the days, the Fellows swapped blazers for ball caps, watching batting practice from Fenway Park’s lower stands before cheering on the Red Sox under the lights.

“Seeing Dubai’s port and realizing how carefully they invest in vital industries was an eye-opener,” said Alexa Sarmiere ’27, a finance major from Raleigh, North Carolina. “It’s not just luck that made the United Arab Emirates wealthy—it’s strategic decisions and a forward-thinking mindset.”

�þ��� noted a strong emphasis on relationship-building.

“One of the biggest differences I saw is how personal connections shape every deal,” Sarmiere said. “Here, negotiation focuses on trust and loyalty, which is different from the performance-driven approach we often see in the U.S.”

For Skylar Zimmerly ’27, an entrepreneurship major from West Islip, New York, a visit to Sweetwater MEA highlighted the UAE’s creative potential.

“Seeing their Adidas collaboration with a local restaurant was such a unique blend of global branding and local culture,” Zimmerly said. “It felt like a glimpse into my dream career, where storytelling and international perspectives collide.”

Beyond modern business ventures, the group encountered the cultural richness that defines the UAE.

“The souks were incredible,” Sarmiere said. “We talked with shop owners about their family businesses, and they remembered us when we returned. That sense of community is woven into everyday life.”

Touring the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi offered another perspective.

“It was breathtaking,” Sarmiere added. “Seeing people from all backgrounds welcomed into such a sacred space was both humbling and inspiring.”

Meanwhile, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi showed how the UAE invests in healthcare.

“They’re pushing boundaries here just like they do in business,” Sarmiere said. “It’s fascinating to see so many sectors innovating simultaneously.”

The experiences left a lasting impression on the Fellows.

“I never really considered moving abroad, but after talking to Elon alumni in Dubai, I can definitely see myself exploring international opportunities,” Zimmerly said. “This trip changed my perspective entirely.”

The fellows visited:

• American University of Sharjah
• Armani Hotel at Burj Khalifa
• Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
• Dubai Chamber of Commerce
• Dubai Souks
• EGA Al Taweelah
• Fine’s Paper Factory
• Galleria Al Maryah Island
• Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
• International Centre for Culinary Arts
• Jubaili Bros
• Le Louvre Abu Dhabi
• MittaalArcelor
• NFT (Tower Cranes)
• Odoo
• Sheikh Mohammad Center for Cultural Understanding
• Sweetwater MEA
• Zella Water

Faculty on the trip:

• Scott Hayward, associate professor of management
• Elena Kennedy, Doherty Emerging professor of entrepreneurship and associate professor of entrepreneurship
• David Moura, lecturer in management
• Vaishali Shah, lecturer in finance

William Pinkley ’27, a finance and mathematics major from Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Abigail Mulvaney ’27, an accounting and economic consulting major from Richmond, Virginia were two of the Fellows who attended and had the opportunity to immerse themselves in an environment they hope to work in after graduation.

“Every time I’ve been here before, it was for a purpose—moving my sister into the city, family visits—but I never got to slow down and really take in what the financial district is like,” said Pinkley. “This trip was different. It felt like I was finally getting to see what my future could look like.”

One of his most memorable moments was meeting with Gabrielle Cifelli ’20, an Elon alumna at Morgan Stanley. Cifelli, who shared her experiences navigating the finance industry since graduating from Elon, led the group through a resume workshop, providing individualized feedback on their resumes.

“It was both nerve-wracking and incredibly valuable to have someone who’s been in my shoes look at my resume and offer real, actionable advice,” said Pinkley.

For Mulvaney, the trip clarified what a career at a top accounting firm might look like.

“It’s easy to hear ‘Big Four’ and have an abstract idea of what that means,” said Mulvaney. “It’s totally different to walk into an office and see how people collaborate and communicate.”

During the group’s visit to Closed Loop, Brendan Keefe ’16 spoke about the importance of being adaptable and looking for roles that match your strengths.

“It made me realize that I don’t have to box myself into a specific type of accounting job,” said Mulvaney. “I can look for positions that leverage my skills in a variety of industries.”

Both students found themes in the advice from all the professionals and alumni: invest in relationships, embrace curiosity, and be open to the unexpected.