A warm welcome (and confetti!) greeted post author Margaret Brown (center) and fellow FICE students at Nasdaq during their NYC benchmark trip.
HOW I FOUND MY VOICE IN BUSINESS & COMMUNICATIONS
I was lucky enough to attend a high school with its own business department—complete with a dedicated space that housed our FBLA chapter. That room quickly became my second home, and FBLA became more than just a club to me—it was the starting point of my passion for business. I’ve always been “that girl”—class president, club chair, volunteer organizer. I loved being in leadership positions, but FBLA was the first place where my love of speaking and my growing interest in business clicked. Competing in business events, networking with other state officers, and eventually serving as New York FBLA’s State Secretary allowed me to see the world through a professional lens early on. Those experiences weren’t just highlights of my high school years—they were what set me on the path to Syracuse University.
At the same time, I was getting a head start in the classroom. SUPA classes (where I earned Syracuse University credit in high school) like Accounting and Public Speaking quickly became my favorites. There was something exciting about balancing a budget one period and delivering a speech the next. I didn’t know it then, but I was already sketching out the intersection of business and communication—two fields I’d end up majoring in.
Margaret Brown at Joele Frank’s New York Office, proudly sporting their signature green.
When it came time to apply to college, Syracuse was at the top of my list. Not only could I pursue a dual degree in Public Relations at the Newhouse School and Management at Whitman, but I could do it surrounded by professors, classmates, and programs that challenged me to think big. After an incredible freshman year, I declared my majors in Management and Public Relations with full confidence—and haven’t looked back since.
One of the most unique opportunities I’ve had at Syracuse is being part of the Financial and Investor Communications Emphasis (FICE) program. It’s a niche but growing space where finance meets storytelling—bridging IR, corporate communications, and the capital markets. Through FICE, I’ve taken courses that dive into both industries and had the chance to attend the annual NYC networking trip, where we visited top financial communications firms. That’s where I first met the team at Joele Frank.
From the moment we walked into their office, I felt it. Joele Frank wasn’t just a firm known for excellence—they were filled with people who were sharp, engaging, and passionate about what they do. I knew immediately this was the type of environment where I could learn, grow, and contribute. Interning there became my goal, and I feel incredibly lucky to have made it a reality.
Although I came into college with a pretty clear sense of what I wanted to do, Syracuse gave me the space to refine those interests and expand them in ways I hadn’t expected. Through hands-on experiences, inspiring faculty, and incredible peers, I’ve been able to grow my skills and my confidence. I’ll always be grateful for the foundation SU gave me: a place where business and communication don’t just coexist, but thrive together.
FINDING MY SPOTLIGHT IN FINANCIAL COMMS
In November of my junior year, I traveled to New York City for a two-day FICE program trip, where we visited top financial and investor communications firms. I’ll admit, at first, my excitement was mostly focused on seeing my sister and the Kacey Musgraves concert I had tickets for. But by the end of day one, it was clear the real show wasn’t happening on stage—it was in the boardrooms of the firms we were visiting. And when we walked into Joele Frank, I knew we had met the headliner.
So, when an internship opportunity opened up on their Digital Team, I didn’t think twice. After speaking with their incredibly welcoming HR team and then interviewing with members of the Digital Team—who were not only talented but genuinely cool—I knew this was the kind of place where I could thrive. I’m so glad it worked out, and I’m spending this summer interning with them. It’s been the perfect mix of creativity, strategy, and growth—and way better than any encore.
Margaret standing proudly with her 2024-2025 Hill Communications E-Board.
INSIDE MY INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
After securing my internship with Joele Frank as part of their Digital Team, I couldn’t wait to dive in. From the start, I was surrounded by an incredibly welcoming and collaborative team—people who not only brought deep industry expertise but also made time to teach, support, and challenge me. Whether it’s walking through a new platform, offering thoughtful feedback on client materials, or sharing career advice, everyone has been genuinely invested in helping me grow.
One of the things that has really stood out to me about Joele Frank’s internship program is how intentional they are about building community and creating a meaningful experience beyond day-to-day work. Even though we’re spread across different teams, the firm makes sure interns are spending time together—whether through planned lunches, speaker sessions with senior leaders, or panels that give us insight into the broader financial communications landscape. It’s been an incredible mix of professional development, industry exposure, and real hands-on work, and I feel lucky to be learning from such passionate people.
Margaret Brown surrounded by her Whitman peers and fellow Goodman Leaders Academy members.
SOAKING UP EVERY MOMENT
The success of my summer internship—and my entire Syracuse experience—comes down to the unique blend of academic rigor and real-world opportunities the university offers. Through the dual focus on Management and Public Relations, along with specialized programs like FICE, I’ve been able to connect theory with practice in a way that feels rare and invaluable.
As I head into my senior year, I’m amazed at how quickly my time at Syracuse has flown by, and I’m genuinely excited for another year filled with growth, new experiences, and making an impact both on campus and beyond.
Author Margaret Brown is a rising senior at Syracuse University, dual majoring in Management at the Martin J. Whitman School of Management and Public Relations at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Margaret is involved in a variety of campus activities, including IMPRESS Assistant Program Coordinator, Whitman Ambassador, SU Global Ambassador, Peer Mentor for Whitman and Newhouse, and Director of Development at Hill Communications.
About the Martin J. Whitman School of Management: The Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University inspires students for a world of accelerating change. Offering B.S., MBA, M.S., and Ph.D. programs, all accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Whitman School’s faculty includes internationally known scholars and researchers, as well as successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. Whitman continues to be ranked among the nation’s top business schools by U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek. To learn more about the Whitman School of Management, visit Whitman.syracuse.edu.
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