Where Full-Time MBA Students Interned This Summer

As a part of their Summer Business Experience, a curricular requirement for all rising second-year Full-Time MBAs, students must complete an internship or similar project over the summer to gain real-world experience. For six to 12 weeks, they tackle real projects at companies like Apple, Boston Consulting Group, Amazon, and many others. These Summer Business Experiences are a valuable part of the MBA journey that allow students to test new career paths, roles, and industries while gaining the experience that employers value.

In addition to internships, students also gain real-world experience in their fields of interest through Multidisciplinary Action Projects and receive ongoing support through a variety of Career Development Office resources.

To learn more about some of the internships that Full-Time MBA students held this summer, we asked five current MBAs to tell us about their experiences and what they learned on the job.

Maria Hernandez Veliz, MBA ’26

Internship role and company

Revenue strategy lead – MBA intern at Apple Ads

Internship location

Austin, Texas

Why did you want to intern at this company or in this role?

Apple has always been my dream company. Throughout my career and even in my MBA coursework, I often used Apple as the centerpiece of my marketing and strategy assignments because I deeply admire how the company sits at the intersection of technology, design, and a customer-centric approach. Apple’s ability to create products and services that feel global yet personal has always inspired me.

When I started my MBA, I knew I wanted an internship where I could see how strategies were built and executed on a global scale. Apple gave me exactly that. At Apple Ads, I was able to work on global sales strategies for a business that is growing quickly and reshaping how advertisers connect with customers across Apple platforms.

What Michigan Ross resources did you use to prepare for your internship?

Michigan Ross gave me amazing support while I prepared for my internship. The Career Development Office peer coaches were very helpful during recruiting. They not only shared advice but also told me about their own internship experiences, which helped me understand what to expect and how to be successful.

The Tech Club Sunday sessions also made a big difference. They kept me updated on what was happening in the tech industry and helped me create engaging stories.

The most valuable experience was my Multidisciplinary Action Project with Microsoft. Working on a global marketplace strategy taught me how to collaborate with people from different backgrounds and areas to solve a real business challenge. It showed me how to deal with uncertainty, focus on customer needs, and bring teams together toward the same goal. These were the exact skills I used every day at Apple to build global sales playbooks with cross-functional teams.

What was a typical day like for you at your internship?

No two days were ever the same, but the heart of my work was focused on understanding friction points from the sales organization and creating global playbooks to address them. I spent much of my time meeting with colleagues from marketing, product, and sales operations to understand their perspectives and align on solutions. The work was highly collaborative and iterative; every conversation added another layer of insight that shaped the resources I was building. What made the days exciting was that I wasn’t just analyzing problems, I was co-creating solutions that could have a real impact on Apple’s global sales teams.

What did you enjoy most about your internship?

What I enjoyed the most was the mix of learning, teamwork, and community. Apple Ads is a growing business, and it was exciting to dive into a new area and see how it connects to Apple’s larger ecosystem. I also had the chance to listen to inspiring leaders who shared their vision and experiences, which gave me a deeper understanding of how Apple thinks about growth and innovation.

The most rewarding part, though, was the co-creation process. Working with my team to design sales playbooks showed me the power of bringing different ideas together. We built something stronger because everyone contributed, and it was inspiring to see collaboration turn into real impact.

Most of all, it was the people who made this internship unforgettable. From the first day, I felt welcomed, supported, and encouraged to bring my best self to the table. The community I found at Apple not only pushed me to grow professionally but also gave me friendships that I know will last long after the internship.

Did any Ross alums support you before or during your internship?

Ross alumni at Apple were an incredible source of support, and some of the connections happened in the most unexpected ways. I still remember walking into the cafeteria and noticing someone wearing a Michigan shirt. That small coincidence turned into a great conversation about Ann Arbor, Ross, and life at Apple, and from there, they shared advice and encouragement that helped me navigate my internship. Moments like that reminded me how strong and welcoming the Ross network really is.

Marielisa Hecht, MBA ’25

Internship role and company

Investment banking summer associate at Bank of America

Internship location

San Francisco, California

Why did you want to intern at this company or in this role?

I was drawn to the team’s collaborative culture and wanted to broaden my career experience by working across different industries and products. I was also excited about the chance to work with emerging and middle-market companies, where so much of the exciting economic growth is happening.

What Michigan Ross resources did you use to prepare for your internship?

I relied heavily on the Career Development Office, meeting often with my career coach and peer coaches. I booked just about every appointment I could, and their support was key in helping me develop a clear strategy and feel prepared for the summer.

What was a typical day like for you at your internship?

No two days were exactly the same, but most involved a mix of industry research, building valuation models, updating market materials, and pulling together pitch books for client meetings.

What did you enjoy most about your internship?

The best part of the internship was the people I worked with and the range of industries I got to explore. I learned from senior leaders who were generous with their time and guidance, and I was supported every day by a tight-knit junior team. It was exciting to dive into industries I never thought I’d work with. That variety helped me build my technical skills and see how different business models play out in real financial outcomes.

Did any Ross alums support you before or during your internship?

The Ross network was incredible. From recruiting to the internship and even after, every alum I reached out to was quick to respond and eager to help. They connected me with other bankers, shared advice that made a real difference in my preparation, and were always willing to answer questions along the way.

Eva Ogudu, MBA ’26

Internship role and company

Senior retail vendor manager at Amazon

Internship location

Seattle, Washington

Why did you want to intern at this company or in this role?

Most of my career has been in consumer goods, where I worked as a brand manager at Unilever. I truly enjoyed this path, and it was very fulfilling. I was involved across the value chain, from product conception and manufacturing to building strong brands that connected with consumers.

After gaining significant experience in this space, I wanted to pivot into the fast-paced world of technology, where products are often intangible and growth is driven by data, innovation, and strategy rather than physical manufacturing. This role allowed me to apply my skills in a new environment and gain first-hand insight into how strategy and growth are shaped in the tech industry.

What Michigan Ross resources did you use to prepare for your internship?

I prepared for my internship by using a mix of Ross resources. Professional clubs, especially the Technology Club, were super helpful. They helped me learn about the tech industry, the different career paths available, and what it takes to be successful both in recruiting and long-term in the field. 

I also worked closely with the Career Development Office, where my career coach guided me on the right strategy for making a switch from consumer goods to tech. In addition, the Ross curriculum was important. I took courses like Decision Support with Spreadsheets (TO 512) and Spreadsheet Modeling and Applications (TO 513). These helped me build stronger data-driven skills and become more comfortable applying analytics to business problems. Altogether, these resources gave me a clear picture of the industry and the tools I needed to succeed in my internship.

What was a typical day like for you at your internship?

Every day in my internship was different, but there were some common parts. I usually started with a deep dive into profit and loss to see how the business was performing. I spent time learning and using the many tools Amazon has to pull data-driven insights. I also had regular check-ins with my manager and mentor to make sure I was on the right track. A big part of my role was engaging with cross-functional teams where I shared my insights and strategy recommendations. These sessions helped me align with others, get feedback, and strengthen my work.

What did you enjoy most about your internship?

What I enjoyed most about my internship was a mix of the people, the project, and the place. I also really enjoyed working with my team and connecting with Ross alumni at Amazon, who were all very kind, supportive, and willing to help. The city was lovely in the summer and had so many places to see, which made my time there even more memorable.

Did any Ross alums support you before or during your internship?

Before my application, I joined the Ross alumni group on LinkedIn and connected with a few alums who shared insights about building a career at Amazon. During my internship, many alums also reached out to support me with my project, and I found their guidance very helpful. These are connections I still keep today.

Rahul Narain, MBA ’26

Internship role and company

Strategy-adjacent marketplace role on the global stores team at Nike, Inc.

Internship location

Beaverton, Oregon

Why did you want to intern at this company or in this role?

Nike's been my dream company for more than 10 years. The last time I job hunted in 2019, I spent around four months exclusively networking with Nike employees and applying to Nike jobs with no luck, and the main reason I came to business school was to work toward that dream. 

What Michigan Ross resources did you use to prepare for your internship?

The best resources were the MBA2s, particularly those who interned at Nike. They helped me refine my story, extensively reviewed my cover letters and resumes, and even did practice interviews to ensure I was ready. 

What was a typical day like for you at your internship?

For the work itself, my internship varied quite a bit over the 10 weeks. In the beginning, there was a lot of learning. In the first month, I had approximately 60 coffee chats, read through 20 or so 50-page presentations, and combed through a huge amount of data to understand how the many different teams and individuals at Nike thought about conversion. The second two months were really focused on consolidating the information I had, getting feedback on the recommendations I'd put together, and creating my final presentation. 

Outside of the core work, I spent a ton of time being active. Nike has intramural leagues on campus, so I was part of weekly pickleball and beach volleyball leagues. There were also workout classes, guided runs, etc. We had approximately 35 MBA interns, so after the work day, we'd often hang out, play board games, get food, etc. It was a great community! 

What did you enjoy most about your internship?

Nike is one of those companies that many employees genuinely love, both its products and the brand. This brings a crazy amount of energy to your interactions, where people are super passionate about what they do. The number of times I heard "Oh, you're an intern? I started at Nike as an intern five, 10, 20 years ago" was amazing. 

My favorite part was being surrounded by so many people who prioritized wellness and being active. Pickleball, volleyball, running, etc., made the internship so much fun, and taking a break at any point in the day to work out and be active was extremely normalized. One other thing that's unique to Nike is the fact that you randomly see world-class athletes all the time. One morning, I remember running around the Nike track and seeing Faith Kipyegon practicing on the same track. She'd set the women's mile world record the previous week, and it was surreal sharing the space with her. 

Did any Ross alums support you before or during your internship?

Yes! I wouldn't have been able to get the role without the help and support of the second-year MBAs and Ross alums. Before I applied for the internship, I spoke with approximately 20 Ross alums at Nike to ensure I fully understood the culture and gave myself the best shot. Many of those alums became internal advocates for me during the hiring process.

Tarundeep Gill, MBA ’26

Internship role and company

Summer consultant at Boston Consulting Group

Internship location

Chicago, Illinois

Why did you want to intern at this company or in this role?

Coming from a five-year background in analytics consulting, I wanted to broaden my exposure to strategy engagements that cut across industries and functions. BCG stood out for its “grow by growing others” philosophy, which strongly resonated with the values I grew up with in an Army family where teamwork and collective success are central.

Every conversation I had with people at BCG felt genuine and personal, from partners who shared their journeys to peers who made the process collaborative rather than competitive. I was also drawn to BCG’s work in aviation and financial services, two industries I’ve been closely connected with. For me, joining BCG was the perfect way to combine my analytical background with large-scale strategic problem-solving in a firm that truly invests in its people.

What Michigan Ross resources did you use to prepare for your internship?

Ross played a huge role in helping me prepare. The Career Development Office, my consulting Functional Accountability Career Team (FACT) group, and the Consulting Club at Ross gave me structure, mentorship, and accountability throughout recruiting. Weekly peer sessions, resume reviews, and mock interviews helped me strengthen both my problem-solving and communication skills. I am especially thankful to my peer coach and MBA2 mentors who spent time running cases with me, sharing firm insights, and offering honest feedback. Their support helped me feel confident and ready before I even stepped into BCG Chicago.

What was a typical day like for you at your internship?

I worked on a digital transformation project for a U.S.-based consumer retail company. The focus of our work was to build an analytics-driven assortment optimization tool to help the

client make smarter merchandising decisions. Most mornings started with a quick stand-up meeting to align on priorities, followed by data modeling, client discussions, and brainstorming sessions with my team. I loved how each day combined analytical rigor with strategic problem-solving. Evenings often ended with casual catch-ups or team dinners, which made the work experience both fun and rewarding.

What did you enjoy most about your internship?

The people made the entire experience special. From the very first day, everyone at BCG made me feel at home, even though I was far from family and friends. Whether it was dinner with managing directors and partners, bowling nights, or escape-room challenges with my case team, every event reflected the culture of fun and collaboration. One of our team members even took on the playful title of chief intern officer, organizing creative events that kept the energy high all summer. The open and approachable culture meant I could grab coffee with anyone, regardless of seniority, and come away feeling supported and inspired. It never felt like just work; it felt like being part of a community that genuinely cared.

Did any Ross alums support you before or during your internship?

The Ross network made a world of difference for me. Before my internship, alumni at BCG helped me with case prep, shared practical advice, and gave me insights into the firm’s culture. Once I started in Chicago, I was surrounded by a strong Ross community within the office. Project leaders and partners regularly checked in, offered feedback, and celebrated milestones along the way. Their mentorship helped me settle in quickly and made the experience even more meaningful. I am truly grateful for their guidance and look forward to paying it forward for future Ross students.