Lauren Chance '25 turned her UNH education into real-world success, with a coveted finance internship at global tech company Aptiv.
HOMETOWN 🏠
Brookfield, NH
PROGRAM 📚
Business Administration: Finance and Entrepreneurial Studies
INTERNSHIP 💼
Finance Intern at Aptiv📍 Boston, MA
Paul Scholar, UNH ECenter, Rines Angel Fund
From Florida Beaches to Becoming a UNH Paul College Student
I grew up in Florida and my desire to explore and return to New England, where my dad lives, led me to UNH. Being selected to enter the Paul Scholars Program solidified my decision!
I’m getting an amazing education, and I have the opportunity to experience all four seasons. I've loved trying activities like skiing and hiking.
Finance and Entrepreneurial Studies: The Best of Both Worlds
Finance was a clear choice for me because I wanted a powerful and lucrative career.
Initially, I was drawn to marketing due to my love for creativity and social media. But I soon realized that entrepreneurial studies offered a more engaging and rewarding path.
The E-Center at UNH played a significant role in this decision, exposing me to innovation and leadership through the i2 Passport Program and other activities.
Competing in the Holloway Competition solidified my passion for entrepreneurship, and I now aim to integrate finance with venture capital and private equity.
My Experience as a Finance Intern at Aptiv
Aptiv is a global technology company that specializes in advanced automotive technology solutions. They help car makers around the world build vehicles with advanced safety features, electric systems, and smart connectivity. Their ultimate goal is a world with zero fatalities, zero injuries, zero accidents, and zero emissions.
This is my second summer here. I networked to get an introduction and, after nailing the interview, I got the offer! I love it this company. When I received an invitation back it was an easy choice.
My responsibilities include using actuals and forecasting numbers monthly, relying on management data. Additionally, I handle a significant amount of budgeting, create raw templates, input data, and formulate numbers to forecast the next four to six years.
Knowing that my work contributes to the company's success and is recognized by executives has been fulfilling and motivating.
Putting What I’ve Learned at Paul into Action
One of the best parts of my internship has been putting what I learned in class to use on the job.
I regularly use concepts from my Quantitative Decision Making course, like forecasting. Plus, the Excel skills I picked up in various courses have been super helpful!
Props to my Business in Practice (BIP) courses for teaching me essential professional skills such as building a LinkedIn profile, effective communication, and networking, which have all proven crucial during my internship.
Embracing City Life
Commuting to Boston daily has given me a taste of city life, and I’m excited about possibly living in here after graduation.
The vibrant atmosphere, diverse food options, and countless activities are all contributing factors!
The cost of living can be a bit crazy, though. The money I received from the Internship Opportunity Fund (IOF) has been a lifesaver. I've used it for commuting and parking in Boston, and to hold onto my apartment in Durham while I'm down here. I'm super grateful for the support from Paul College – it's made a huge difference!
Planning for the Future
Aptiv has a three-year rotational program for finance professionals where you get to rotate through different finance-related teams and roles. I would love to end up in that program after graduation! Especially the one at their Dublin headquarters.
Barring that, I definitely want to end up at a company with a similar program.
Take Advantage of the Internship Experience
The last two summers have been great for my personal and professional development. I’ve gained a lot of confidence.
I’m not afraid to ask questions or seek help. I’m also more comfortable being assertive! And I've developed great problem-solving skills.
Internships are an essential experience for business students. To anyone who's looking: network and utilize all the resources available at Paul College. From academic advisors to specialized programs – there's so much support at UNH.
