July 3, 2023

From internship/co-op intern to career success: Tips for students and new graduates.

For more than 30 years, Northern Trust has supported students and graduates with early career internship opportunities that help them learn then lead, and this year is no different.

Oftentimes these interns go on to enjoy long term career success with us, which was highlighted in a recent ‘Empowering the leaders of tomorrow’ article. This year we’ve already welcomed cohorts of interns into our offices in India, Ireland and the UK, and this month we welcome our North America based interns into their offices.

With that in mind, we asked past internship/co-op students who have continued on after their internships and grown their careers at Northern Trust for their advice and career tips for long term development and career success. They are eager to share their knowledge and top tips with the next generation of internship/co-op students.

Here’s what they told us:

Yvonne Lewis: Senior Analyst, Infrastructure Field Services 

What was the most memorable part of your internship/co-op experience? One of the best memories was when I was asked to work permanently as a full-time employee after I graduated from high school.

Top Tip: 

Angela Oliver: Senior Financial Analyst

What was the most memorable part of your internship/co-op experience? Meeting all the other internship/co-op students and employees. I was only 16 when I started.

Top Tip: 

Patricia Cordero

Current role: Client Service Manager, Insurance Solutions 

What was the most memorable part of your internship/co-op experience? The relationships that were built.

Top Tip: 

Linda Duerr: Client Advisor 

What was the most memorable part of your internship/co-op experience? The employees I worked with were so nice, helpful and professional. They made my time as an intern/co-op.

Top Tip: 

Katie Pries: President and CEO, Northern Trust Canada

What was the most memorable part of your internship/co-op experience? Working with the employees of Northern Trust; adding value to the teams/process to such a great extent; and having that value reflected back to me with acceptance and appreciation.

Top Tip: 

Carmen Tolentino: Vice President, Senior Consultant, Wealth Management Client Onboarding 

What was the most memorable part of your internship/co-op experience? Meeting people from different departments and developing working relationships with these partners.

Top Tip: 

Michele Cardona: Managing Director, Central Region Global Family Offices

What was the most memorable part of your internship/co-op experience? I was able to create and develop long lasting relationships with the employees within the department.

Top Tip: 

Kelly Clemons: Manager, Human Resources Advisory Services

What was the most memorable part of your internship/co-op experience? I learned about operations and the importance of the work we were doing behind the scenes to provide signature service to our clients.  

Top Tip: 

Yolanda Cobbins: Custody Client Service Senior Division Manager 

What was the most memorable part of your internship/co-op experience? Developing a network early, which gained mentors who are still providing sound guidance in my career today. Also, meeting other internship/co-op students from other school programs who are now lifelong friends.  

Top Tip: 

Sonia Hudson: Tax Analyst, Trust Officer

What was the most memorable part of your internship/co-op experience? I remember having to take the number key test for speed and I was so nervous but I topped out of the class. I also remember traveling downtown after school for half days, I thought I was such an adult!

Top Tip: 

Maria Geisler

Current role: Division Manager Global Family Services Restructure Solutions Team, Asset Servicing 

What was the most memorable part of your internship/co-op experience? Experiencing first-hand how corporate businesses work. I also formed new long term relationships at work.

Top Tip: 

Shaelyn Otikor: Head of Global Digital Workplace Strategy, Senior Vice President

What was the most memorable part of your internship/co-op experience? I remember the day Nadia Ivanova taught me Microsoft Excel, it started me on my tech journey that has helped to propel my career!

Top Tip: 

Moises Quinones: Senior Asset Manager, Special Assets, Vice President

What was the most memorable part of your internship/co-op experience? I would say the people and the friendships I formed were what was most memorable, some that I still have today.

Top Tip: 

Julia Moy: Tax Technician 

What was the most memorable part of your internship/co-op experience? I thought it was so cool to get the recognition awards, which were redeemable in the cafeteria.

Top Tip: 

Careers at Northern Trust

Learn more about career opportunities at Northern Trust.