In a competitive job market, Brock School of Business students are encouraged to apply their learning outside of the classroom as soon as possible. The school reported that 97 percent of undergraduate business students complete internships before graduating, interning both in the United States and internationally. For senior finance major Emerson Brooks, this meant a fall semester internship in the finance department at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Inc.
“The environment of working in a large international company like Mercedes really teaches you the ins-and-outs of a business,” Brooks said. “It has been really cool to see how even a finance intern can have a pivotal role in the grand scheme of an international company.”
Brooks first sought the position with Mercedes after learning about the opportunity through Brock School of Business’ Office of Professional Success.
Brooks’ internship and all Brock School of Business internships and job search support are arranged year-round through the Office of Professional Success. In addition to Mercedes, the office has helped to connect student intern applicants with positions at other major employers including Rawlings Sporting Goods, McGriff Seibels & Williams, Sony Music Entertainment and many more.
As a part of the finance team, Brooks supported a variety of tasks on a daily and weekly basis, like running macros of reports and entering technology requests. He was also involved in a large project that assisted with anti-money laundering.
“Internships offer students the opportunity to grow in knowledge and experience, to network with industry professionals and ultimately to decide if this might be a long-term fit for them or not,” said Director of Professional Success Kathryn Boyd. “Our goal is to send well-equipped students into the workplace after graduation.”
Brooks has secured a position with Regions Financial Corporation that he will begin following his graduation in the spring. He credits his experience at Mercedes, as well as the support of the Office of Professional Success, for helping him secure this opportunity post-graduation.