In the world of undergraduate business education, summer internships are a rite of passage—a crucial step in the transformation from student to professional. Each summer offers a new stage to apply classroom theories to real-world challenges and to weave their practical skills into their budding career. For me, the cities of Chicago and New York City became more than just backdrop settings for these internships; they were dynamic environments where I not only honed my professional skills but also discovered new personal strengths and interests. These experiences didn’t just shape my resume, but also my understanding of what I would want my life to look like post-graduation.
Tayla’s sister in town visiting New York City for the first time, checking out the Statue of Liberty!
After spending two transformative summers in Chicago and New York City —the summers after my sophomore year in Chicago with a major airline and after my junior year in New York City doing management consulting—my experience as a senior at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business has expanded far beyond the academics. These iconic cities didn’t just host my internships. They became classrooms that offered lessons in culture, resilience, and personal identity. From the bustling airports of Chicago to the skyscraper-shadowed streets of New York City, both cities injected their unique flavor to my professional journey and personal growth story.
INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCES IN CHICAGO AND NEW YORK CITY
In Chicago, as a customer strategy and analytics intern, I engaged in significant analytical work. I leveraged Python and SQL within Palantir Foundry to analyze compensation issuance and redemption correlation, which helped identify the underlying causes of low claim rates. My suggestions led to modifications in the compensation notice and the addition of new features to the company’s customer-facing app, aiming for a 50% increase in redemption rates. Beyond my formal daily tasks, I partook in a variety of intern events offered—such as volunteering for a day with Special Olympics in Chicago, attending the National Intern Day White Sox game, ice cream social networking hours at the top of Willis Tower, and much more.
In New York City, during my internship as a management consulting Intern, my project for the summer focused on the analysis of over 75 vendor contract agreements for a global insurance company. This role involved reviewing agreements managed by third-party providers and identifying contractual gaps to provide grounds for termination or reassignment of contract ownership. My efforts culminated in presenting recommendations to stakeholders, significantly impacting the client’s strategic decisions and winning a bid for Phase 2 of the project. I also aided in project management for a variety of our other workstreams by identifying key milestones and internal recruitment processes. Beyond my daily responsibilities, I was able to indulge in a variety of different experiences with my intern class and project team. We went to team dinners a few times throughout the summer—with partners flying in to have the chance to meet with us interns and hear about our experiences. We also celebrated National Intern Day on the Piers with 500+ interns from the entire New York City Metropolitan area across all functions of the firm.
Tayla attending a White Sox game with my intern class for National Intern Day.
FROM ROYAL OAK TO THE WINDY CITY
Transitioning from the suburban calm of Royal Oak, Michigan, to the pulsating energy of Chicago and New York City was akin to stepping onto a fast-moving train. In Royal Oak, the rhythm of life was comforting and predictable—marked by familiar faces and places. Moving first to Ann Arbor for college was a gentle step up in pace, less than an hour away from home but bustling with the vibrancy of university life—which helped buffer the transition somewhat. Yet, it was nothing compared to the jolt of moving to Chicago after my sophomore year.
The first summer away from both home and college was a blend of excitement and anxiety. The anonymity of a big city was exhilarating but also daunting. There was no familiar face in the crowd, no one to notice if I wasn’t around. The newfound independence was thrilling but also a stark reminder of my roots. The vastness of Chicago sometimes amplified feelings of homesickness and anxiety, making me long for my hometown’s closeness. I had to learn to navigate not just the physical spaces but also the emotional landscapes of feeling lost in a crowd.
However, I quickly learned to embrace the anonymity and freedom that came with a big city. Finding my footing meant establishing new routines, including morning walks along Lake Michigan and exploring surrounding Chicago neighborhoods like Evanston. The culinary scene was one that I particularly enjoyed—from the innovative dishes at Rose Mary and Alla Vita to the comfort food at Honey Butter Fried Chicken and the unique flavors at Lula Cafe. Each meal was an exploration of the city’s diverse culinary landscape. Weekends were often spent absorbing the vibrant energy of Navy Pier, watching the fireworks light up the skyline, and spending time with the small group of UMich friends who were also in the city.
Attending my first-ever broadway show, Aladdin, with my sister
Comparatively, New York City presented an even faster pace that was both challenging and invigorating. The city’s vastness could feel overwhelming, but I found solace going on long walks through Central Park and the Upper East Side, down through SoHo. New York’s food scene was equally impressive, with places like Soothr for Thai cuisine, L’Industrie Pizza for a slice of authentic New York pizza, and Ippudo for ramen offering moments of delicious respite from the bustling city life.
To safely explore these cities as a newcomer, I quickly learned the importance of staying aware of my surroundings, especially after dusk. Utilizing apps like Google Maps for safe routes and staying in well-lit, populated areas during night outings was crucial.
Deciding where to invest time outside of work often involved looking for activities that offered relaxation and a chance to immerse myself in the city’s culture. From attending local theater productions in New York to exploring art exhibits in Chicago, these activities provided a rich return on investment by combining fun with cultural enrichment.
EMBRACING INDEPENDENCE IN THE BIG CITY
Living independently in such prominent cities was a profound learning curve. In Chicago, managing day-to-day responsibilities while exploring the city became a balancing act. I navigated apartment hunting, budgeting for city living, and learning the ins-and-outs of public transportation. The freedom to explore new places, which became my go-to spots for socializing, taught me the importance of creating a home away from home.
Finding an apartment involved using some websites with summer-term college housing and local Facebook groups, where listings were often more up-to-date and less expensive than traditional methods. To afford food without breaking the bank, I frequented local markets for fresh, affordable ingredients and learned to cook meals at home, which also became a fun way to wind down after a long day.
Tayla sitting on the edge of the airplane motor inside her internship’s headquarters
Getting around without a car was initially a challenge, but I quickly adapted by using public transit and biking. These options were not only economical, but also allowed me to experience the cities like a local. I remember feeling so intimidated by the subway when I took it for the first time. However, after a while, it became second nature and aided my transition to living in a larger city in other areas, too.
New York City tested my independence further. The city’s relentless pace forced me to become more efficient and assertive. Attending my first Broadway show, Aladdin, was a mesmerizing experience that marked a significant personal milestone. Taking day trips to Brooklyn and exploring midtown hotspots like Liberty Bagels rounded out my experience, providing a blend of leisure and learning.
BUILDING A NEW COMMUNITY
Building a new community was crucial in both cities. In Chicago, I joined identity-based groups created within my internship cohort and participated in events that helped me connect with like-minded professionals and locals. These activities not only mitigated feelings of homesickness, but also enriched my professional network, offering invaluable insights and opportunities.
New York City’s professional scene was intense but rewarding. Networking took on a new level of importance, and I learned to confidently navigate various professional settings. Engaging with diverse groups and attending industry events allowed me to make connections that would significantly influence my career path.
ROSS’S ROLE: A FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH
The Ross School played a pivotal role in these internships. The Career Development Office provided essential resources that helped secure my positions and prepare for the corporate environment. The staff not only helped me tailor my resume and prepare for interviews, but also provided workshops and networking opportunities that connected me with alumni in both cities. Ross’s extensive alumni network in both cities offered support and guidance, making daunting new environments feel more accessible.
Tayla trying new restaurants throughout Chicago
FINAL REFLECTIONS: LOOKING FORWARD
Reflecting on my summers in Chicago and New York City, I see invaluable periods of growth. These cities taught me to adapt, embrace new challenges, and seize every opportunity. The skills and experiences gained have prepared me for a successful career in business and provided a broader understanding of what it means to live and work in diverse urban environments.
Comparing my experiences in Chicago and New York City, each city offered unique advantages and challenges. Chicago’s robust business ecosystem and vibrant cultural scene provided a solid foundation for my analytical skills development at United Airlines. On the other hand, New York City, with its fast-paced and diverse environment, was the perfect setting to refine my strategic consulting abilities. The complexity and scale of challenges in New York City ultimately swayed my decision to settle there post-graduation, aligning with my career aspirations and personal growth goals.
As you plan your undergraduate summers, consider each one as an opportunity to explore and evaluate different cities and industries. Freshman summer can be an exploratory phase, perhaps volunteering or studying abroad. By sophomore year, look for internships that align with your interests, but in cities where you might want to live post-graduation. Junior summer is critical: aim for internships that offer deep dives into your chosen field, again in potential long-term cities. These experiences are about building your resume and understanding where and how you work best. Use these summers as trial runs for where you might want to settle after graduation.
As I approach the culmination of my academic journey at Ross, these experiences underscore the value of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and engaging with the world in its fullest capacity. The lessons learned extend far beyond business theories, enriching my narrative and professional aspirations.
Traveling during her sophomore summer using the unlimited standby perk that came with her internship
Bio:
Tayla Jankowski is a BBA Senior at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, originally from Royal Oak, MI. Over her three years at Michigan, she has been highly involved in the undergraduate business community. Tayla has served as Senior Vice President of Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity, Peer Coach for the Career Development Office, Senior Advisor in APEX Consulting Club, and a Ross Student Ambassador. In the broader Michigan community, she serves on the Center for Campus Involvement Advisory Board and enjoys trying new restaurants around campus. Upon graduation, Tayla will be pursuing a career in management consulting.
DON’T MISS:
TAYLA’S TAKE: YOU’RE A MONTH INTO COLLEGE — NOW WHAT?
TAYLA’S TAKE: FINDING MY PATH IN PARIS — HOW TO STUDY (AND FINANCE) ABROAD WITH CONFIDENCE
