Three students selected for Siemens Financial Leadership Development Program

Three students have been selected for the prestigious Siemens Financial Leadership Development Program (FLDP), landing internships that will take place this summer. The global technology company offers these highly competitive spots to just 30 undergraduate students nationwide.

From the thousands who apply, Siemens selects 80 students to attend their “Super Day” interviews and case study competition at their U.S. hub in Atlanta, Georgia. While Salve Regina was the smallest institution represented at that event, three of its students were selected for the internship program – 10% of the cohort.

Emily Capocelli, Georgia Costello and Taylor Pendleton will participate in the 12-week paid internship program that runs from May through August. There, they’ll experience the day-to-day functions of a wide range of businesses as they learn how to analyze and support the financial aspects of a multi-billion-dollar company. Upon completing the internship, high-performing interns who are seniors will have the opportunity to interview for a full-time position in the FLDP rotational program where they can opt to pursue a career path as a financial analyst, accountant, business process specialist/auditor, business or plant controller or data analyst for Siemens.

“When we got to Atlanta, we realized quickly that most of the applicants were from big schools with big names,” Pendleton said. “We were at the exact same level of knowledge, but we seemed to have a leg up in our ability to network and talk.”

All three of the students attributed the level of comfort they felt to being part of a supportive group. “The other applicants didn’t know who else from their school was there and had never met them,” Capocelli said. “We traveled together, were acknowledging each other and introducing each other. It made us more comfortable, and we could be ourselves.”

Costello also realizes the value of small class size. “At Salve we have relationships with the people teaching us,” she said. “If we’re in class with 20 other people we can say, ‘Hold on, I didn’t quite get that. Would you mind going over it again?’ You can’t really do that in a lecture hall with hundreds of other students.”

Dr. Teresa Starzecki, assistant professor in the Department of Business and Economics, led Salve Regina’s participation in the Siemens FLDP process, coordinating the recruitment visit and preparing the students after networking with Siemens at the Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge last fall alongside Dr. Melissa Varao, chair of the business department. Department colleagues Rita Marcotte, lecturer, and Sam Sacco, senior lecturer, also played key roles in assisting with student selections.

“I was nervous going into this – I had never interviewed for a professional position before,” Capocelli said. “Our Salve professors prepared us for every scenario – going over our resumes, guiding us on what to wear and how to network – and my nerves went away with the preparation.”

In the coming weeks the students will learn their individual assignments, which can take place in any of Siemens’ nationwide offices.

Student snapshots:

Georgia Costello

Major: Finance, with a double minor in business administration and biology

Career plans: “Eventually I want to go into the medical sales field. I came to Salve as a biology major so I don’t have a straight financial career path. That’s why I like this internship opportunity so much. I am going to learn a lot of things. It will help me decide on a path.”

Advice for high school students entering college? “In business fields, relationships and networking are important. Be yourself. Show your personality and carry yourself with confidence.”

Emily Capocelli

Major: Global business and economics, with a double minor in business administration and marketing

Career plans: “I’m not set on any one career plan; I have a growth mindset. For me the Siemens internship was straight out of a fairy tale because I can do anything within their company. I can start off with something I may not end up loving, but I can continue and find what I want.”

Advice for high school students entering college? “Take the opportunities given to you and run with them. Give it all you’ve got. I’m an introvert in big group settings but I put myself out there. Don’t be afraid to be yourself.”

Taylor Pendleton

Major: Accounting

Career plans: “I want to take a corporate job for a few years, but within 10 years, I really want to open New England’s first curling facility. New England needs this.” (Pendleton is a member of the U.S. National Curling Team.)

Advice for high school students entering college? “Pay attention in accounting class. It’s super rewarding and useful. Also, develop a relationship with faculty if you can. Here at Salve, they’re all wonderful and will help you however they can.”