Summer internships are an invaluable way to test-drive your major, learn on the job, and thrive in an exciting new environment—both in the workplace and your newly adopted city (or the same city with fresh eyes!). We asked three undergraduate Business Badgers to share with readers the highlights and the takeaways from a summer well spent.
Tessa Fleming (BBA ’28)
Program: Real Estate and Urban Land Economics; Finance, Investment, and Banking
Internship: Junior Development Intern; Dominium, Dallas, TX
As junior development intern for Dominium, I learned how 4% LIHTC development works in practice, from the Texas bond lottery system to tax-exempt equity and the steps a deal takes before reaching Investment Committee.
Favorite aspect of your internship? For my capstone project, I was assigned a real 192-unit affordable housing development called Matlock Flats in Arlington, Texas, and completed a financial and market analysis of the property. I loved being able to take everything I learned and connect the numbers and metrics to the actual story of the property. Presenting my findings to Dominium partners and leadership at the end was such a rewarding experience.
What is something unexpected you learned? I did not expect to walk away with such a deep understanding of how affordable housing deals actually work financially. Learning about the 4% LIHTC bond lottery system, capital stacks, and equity structures was something I had never been exposed to before. I also did not expect to feel so passionate about the mission and the real impact Dominium is making on communities.
What are your main takeaways from this experience? Real estate analysis is about reading the story behind the numbers, not just the numbers themselves. I would tell other students to ask as many questions as possible and really throw yourself into the work. Your internship goes by incredibly fast, and the more present and curious you are every single day, the more you will get out of it.
Lily Holtman (BBA ’27)
Program: Accounting
Internship: Tax Intern; Sey Tax Group, Dublin, Ireland
As a tax intern at Sey Tax, I prepared tax forms and reviewed filing requirements for the company’s U.S. expatriate clients residing in Dublin.
Favorite aspect of your internship? I’ve really enjoyedthe relationships I’ve built. I’ve loved getting to know the locals that I work with as well as the other interns.
What are your main takeaways from this experience? Go ahead and do it. I debated whether to do this program for some time, and I’m so glad I’m here now. I’ve had so many opportunities that I would never have otherwise, all because I keep saying “yes.”
Shay Nelson (BBA ’28)
Program: Marketing, Business Management, Human Resources; Consulting Certificate
Internship: Digital Marketing Intern; American Family Insurance, Madison, WI
In my role as digital marketing intern with American Family Insurance, I analyzed marketing channel performance data to identify growth opportunities, uncover customer, geographic, and market insights, optimize website content and SEO, statistically forecast new business production, and deliver strategic recommendations that inform business decisions.
Favorite aspect of your internship? I appreciate been the autonomy I’ve been given to explore and contribute across many facets of American Family’s marketing efforts, from website development and SEO to marketing channel analysis, data collection, and overall strategy. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside a team of talented, motivated individuals who have continuously supported my growth, allowing me to strengthen both my business acumen and strategic communication skills.
What are your main takeaways from this experience? Put yourself out there. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek advice, whether it’s about a project you’re working on, skills you should develop, navigating your early career, or how to make the most of your internship. The leaders around you genuinely want to see you succeed and are often more than willing to share their experiences. Some of the most valuable opportunities and connections come from simply starting a conversation; you never know where it might lead.
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