From finance and marketing to health care and social work, Iona University students leveraged classroom knowledge to excel during their summer internships. Here’s what they had to say about the experiences – and how Iona helped prepare them for their career journey.

New Rochelle, N.Y. – At Iona University, students not only obtain a robust liberal arts education but also gain unparalleled access to top-tier internship opportunities throughout the New York-metropolitan area and beyond. These internships are a way for students to build confidence, explore their career interests, and gain an inside look into their chosen industries.

Representing diverse academic fields, students recently offered reflections on how Iona empowered them within professional environments at top companies, bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world experience.

Michael Faughnan ’24, ’25MBA earned his bachelor’s degree from Iona in 2024 but didn’t stop there. He is currently advancing his education by pursuing an MBA in business analytics. At Ernst & Young (EY), one of the largest accounting firms in the nation, he used his Iona education to tackle real-world challenges as a summer intern.

“In my internship with EY, I analyzed data and used software to complete engagement tasks,” said Faughnan of Hopewell Junction, N.Y. “I also evaluated and tested internal controls over financial reporting.”

Faughnan is also a standout student-athlete serving as co-captain of the men’s Swimming and Diving team. In July, he became the first swimmer in Iona’s history to receive the 2024 MAAC Student-Athlete of the Year award.

“The most distinctive advantage I have gained from my experience at Iona is having personal connections with my professors who want to see me become successful,” he said.

Juan Ibarra ’25 successfully navigated through three rounds of interviews before landing a role as a marketing media intern at Heineken USA.

“I found the opportunity through Iona's Career Fair,” he said. “One distinct advantage I've gained from my Iona experience is the development of strong team collaboration skills.”

Shyann Alonzo ’25 spent time at Mount Sinai Hospital exploring several areas of social work within the hospital system.

“During my internship at Mount Sinai...we met with patients facing different problems,” she said. “Iona has prepared me for this internship by teaching the foundation of social work.”

Chase Bateman ’25 interned for Associated Capital Group where he studied merger arbitrage and event-driven investing strategies.

“I was fortunate enough to shadow seasoned professionals in asset management,” said Bateman.

Sean Jordan ’24 worked as a digital marketing and media intern with Major League Baseball (MLB).

“This accomplishment means a lot to me,” said Jordan of Westhampton Beach, N.Y. “I always dreamed of working for MLB.”

TJ Kirkland ’25 gained hands-on experience at WealthEdge in New York City – an opportunity secured through an Iona alumna.

“My internship at WealthEdge made me realize that I want to be a portfolio manager in the future,” said Kirkland.

Alexandria Bitetti ’25 secured an internship at Fidelis Care with support from Professor Christina Nevers.

“I gained experience in healthcare marketing working alongside professionals,” said Bitetti of Toms River, N.J.

Harrison Dumont ’25 reflected on his internship at Alvarez & Marsal in Washington D.C., feeling prepared due to his coursework at Iona.

“My coursework familiarized me with diverse contract types enhancing my understanding of real-world scenarios," Dumont said.

Alyssa Perez '25 pursued her career in speech language pathology interning at Willow Towers Assisted Living where she worked closely with residents dealing with dementia.

Lucas Haddad holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Iona and is pursuing an MBA with a concentration in business analytics while interning at Ernst & Young.

Christina Geba '26 landed an exciting internship at CBIZ Marks Paneth after making connections during Iona's annual career fair.

Herolinda Decaj '25 dedicated her summer break interning for Merrill Lynch focusing on expense management.

Tyler Lender '25 gained valuable guidance through Gaels Go Further Mentoring program while enjoying hands-on audit internship experience at Citrin Cooperman this summer.

Alexander Garces '25 discovered supportive environment fuelled his many interests including interning Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation reflecting on impactful campus ideas implementation.

Founded in 1940, Iona University is a master's-granting private Catholic institution located just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan across its two campuses: New Rochelle and Bronxville. With nearly 4,000 students enrolled globally and over 50,000 alumni worldwide committed to academic excellence underpinned by justice peace service values offered through accredited undergraduate graduate programs recognized nationally ranked institutions like The Princeton Review Wall Street Journal/College Pulse among others emphasizing small class sizes engaged faculty broad academic spectrum spanning School Arts Science LaPenta Business School Health Sciences Hynes Institute Entrepreneurship Innovation recently expanded abroad County Mayo Ireland transitioned College University status July reflecting growth prestige educational offerings.