Lauren Ryan '25 Wealth Management Intern

Lauren Ryan '25 (Business Economics) is a Wealth Management Intern at WestPac Wealth in Scottsdale, AZ

What was the process for getting this internship, job, or summer experience: 

I applied for the internship on Handshake and received an email a few days after asking for me to meet for a first round interview. There were 4 total interviews in the process, each one a little more detailed and required more preparation. The first was very quick. I gave my elevator pitch and answered a few very surface level questions about myself. The next interview was more focused on WestPac. They presented their numbers, their story, and what the process going from an intern to an employee could look like. The next required me to bring 50 connections I had and I was required to walk the recruiting board through each of these connections, how I knew them, and how I could approach them as a potential client. Finally, I was asked to prepare and present a presentation on why I should be chosen as an intern. About 2 weeks later, I got my offer letter.

What is a typical day like? 

This internship was unique as it was only from 9am to 2:30pm, Monday through Thursday. Each morning I would start the day by checking my emails to know what was on the schedule and anything I had to complete by the end of the day. We typically had a call with our partner company, Guardian every morning at 10, and an all WestPac intern called at 11 to check in with our boss and ask any questions we have. That call will often lead into our lunch from 12 to 12:30. Afterwards, we typically have a call with one of the managing partners where they will lead us through either possible client situations or give advice from how they got from being interns to where they are today. Any other time is left for self-study as we were assigned a course on their platform, "The WestPac Way", to teach us the basics of the finance and insurance industry.

What do you find most challenging? 

Prior to starting the internship, I was required to get my Arizona Life and Health Insurance license. While I wouldn't necessarily say it was a hard test, it was challenging to study for the exam while focusing on school, extra curriculars, and my part time job. I had to sacrifice some of my past times to give myself every possible open second to study, but now I have passed it, I am very thankful for the challenge.

What advice do you have for future students with a similar interest? 

I would advise any future students going into any internship to email every person you meet, even if it is just once, and ask them to sit down for 15 minutes. I have found that it makes all the difference when you just sit and listen to those in positions you want to be in. Come with questions prepared, always. I have found that I am often set apart from all the other internships in a positive way since doing this because every advisor is able to put a name and an experience with my face. Also, handwritten thank you notes at the end of internships are so important. Emails can get lost in an inbox and often are forgotten about quickly after opening. Handwritten thank you notes to every person you spoke to, no matter how large their role is, will set you apart. People just want to feel appreciated and it is important as an intern to make sure you express how thankful you are for the experience any chance you get.

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