Junior management major Khalilh Jackson is realized a childhood dream last summer by taking a new step toward career success with an internship with Schroders, an international asset management firm.

“It gives me the chance to get my foot in the door at a well-respected international company, in New York City, a city that I have dreamed about since I was a young child,” explained Jackson.

Jackson first learned about the internship when he connected with the Career Center in early 2020 but COVID delayed his opportunity. In fall 2021 he had the chance to network with Lee Gardella ’89, a member of the John L. Grove College of Business Advisory Board and head of Investment Risk and Monitoring at Schroders, and eventually landed an interview for the internship.

A lot of preparation and two rounds of interviews later, Jackson got the internship offer, but his true preparation for this moment was three years in the making.

Jackson became an active member of the campus community as soon as he arrived at Ship. This allowed him to gain valuable leadership experience as president of the Investment Club and as a member of Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity, Dean of Student’s Advisory Council and Finance Committee for the Student Government Association.

In the classroom he found the mentorship, knowledge and confidence he needed to succeed in his internship.

“I would say there are two professors that give me the confidence for starting this internship, just by talking to them and sitting in their class. Dr. Wendy Becker has been crucial in learning about ethics in the business world and how to network professionally. Dr. Michael Coolsen gave me the opportunity to learn about all sides of the marketing field, how to be successful in the field, and how to stand out at a large firm,” said Jackson.

After an exciting summer in New York, Jackson will returned to Ship to finish his senior year and is excited to continue his Ship journey.

“The university has so much to offer young students looking to step out of their shell and improve as a scholar, an individual, and get set up for a successful career. Ship truly has been it,” he added.