Pictured above: Caitlin Mahoney T’25 interned at Welch’s this summer as the innovation brand marketing intern.
First-year internships are a transformative part of the Tuck MBA experience, offering students the opportunity to explore industries, refine their career goals, and apply what they’ve learned in the classroom.
From driving sustainability in impact investing, to tackling global policy at the World Bank, to developing new product pipelines at Welch’s, Tuck students took on meaningful roles across industries and companies. Through the stories of T’25s Neil Chavan, Joyce Amihere, Caitlin Mahoney, Joe Barrett, Jessica Demian, and David Ogabu, we learn about the impact of the MBA internship—and how the extraordinary Tuck alumni network, a personalized approach to Career Services, a rigorous curriculum, and more, helped them thrive during their summers.
Internship: Investor, Closed Loop Partners
Clubs/activities at Tuck: Revers Fellow, Tuck Social Venture Fund (Director), Tuck Pride (Co-chair), Tuck Gives (Co-chair)
Currently reading or listening to: The Alchemist (for the 3rd time!)
One thing people would be surprised to learn about you: I have a twin sister
Favorite place you’ve ever been: Cleveland
Leaders you admire: Yvon Chouinard
MY INTERNSHIP AT CLOSED LOOP PARTNERS
This summer, I worked with the early-stage ventures team at Closed Loop Partners, an investment firm dedicated to advancing the circular economy. In my role, I focused on investing in pre-seed and seed-stage startups driving innovation across sectors including manufacturing, fashion, food/ag, and electronics. My days were dynamic and included meeting visionary founders, attending industry events in NYC, conducting market research, building financial models, engaging in expert discussions, writing investment memos, and developing my own investment thesis around promising areas for the fund. No two days were the same, which made for an exhilarating experience.
Coming into Tuck, I was broadly interested in startups but unsure of the specific role I wanted to pursue. After a pre-MBA strategy and operations internship at a climate tech startup, I was eager to step into the investor’s seat to understand how they identify opportunities, shape transformative businesses, and drive impact. With my academic and professional background in climate tech and materials, I wanted to join a fund aligned with these interests. Closed Loop Partners was a perfect fit, combining a mission-driven investment thesis with a focus on sustainability. Additionally, I was drawn to the opportunity to work on a small investment team where I could gain broad exposure and take on meaningful responsibilities—a combination that I knew would inspire personal and professional growth.
I’m thrilled to share that the summer exceeded all my expectations—I didn’t want it to end! Over ten weeks, I learned more than I imagined possible and had the privilege of collaborating with some of the brightest and most inspiring individuals I’ve ever met.
MY CAREER GOALS
I came into the summer grappling with an internal debate over whether to pursue investor or operator roles post-MBA. I knew I loved building businesses and thinking strategically about growth, but I wasn’t sure which path would be more fulfilling personally and allow me to have the most impact. Early-stage venture capital ended up being an amazing fit for several reasons:
My summer internship cemented my interest in early-stage venture capital and left me excited about the prospect of building a career in that space. At the same time, meeting so many passionate and dynamic founders sparked something in me. There’s something uniquely compelling about rolling up your sleeves and building something from the ground up. It’s a challenge I hope to take on myself someday. For now, I’m grateful to have gained clarity through my internship and I am energized by the possibilities for my career moving forward.
ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE MBAs
Take time to deeply reflect and understand what truly excites you (and why) before committing to a recruiting pathway. It’s easy to get roped into a traditional path because seemingly everyone around you is—but don’t fall into this trap! I also encourage everyone to think beyond their first post-MBA role. Consider where you want to be in 5+ years and dare to dream big. If you set ambitious goals and pursue them wholeheartedly, you might be surprised by what you can achieve during the MBA. Importantly, for those who dream big and really go for it, the Tuck community will rally around you to help make your dream a reality. The power of this community is incomparable.
For those considering early-stage venture capital specifically, focus on becoming knowledgeable in an area you’re passionate about investing in by immersing yourself fully in it. An important aspect of VC recruiting is demonstrating a perspective or set of experiences that will add value to a fund. The best funds, in my opinion, are moving away from a generalist approach, so it’s essential to develop some expertise. Finally, understand that venture capital, for better or worse, is highly network-driven. The name of the game is manufacturing serendipity—positioning yourself in the right spaces where chance encounters and opportunities can emerge. To succeed, you need to put yourself out there and be very thoughtful about building relationships, while recruiting and in the role itself.
HIGHLIGHTS OF TUCK
It’s hard to choose just one highlight—there have been so many! Between surviving a weeklong sailing adventure off the coast of Maine (with no bathroom!), numerous cabin nights under starry skies, traveling to Japan with 60 classmates, cross-country skiing through snow-dusted forests, farmer’s market visits every Saturday, swimming and kayaking in the Connecticut River, planning an energy trek in Iceland, connecting with classmates over cozy dinner parties, and exploring charming New England towns, the memories I’ve made at Tuck are unforgettable. The Tuck experience truly is one of a kind. It revolves around the most incredible people in one of the most breathtaking places in the country. Being a part of this community is a privilege and I wouldn’t trade it for a thing.
Internship: Summer Associate at McKinsey & Company
Clubs/activities at Tuck: Consortium, Black Students Association at Tuck (BSAT), Dance Club, Peer Support Counselors, Center for Entrepreneurship
Currently reading or listening to: The Socrates Express
One thing people would be surprised to learn about you: I love art and try and draw and craft when I have the time!
Favorite place you’ve ever been: A tie between Japan and Australia
Leaders you admire: Yvonne Aki-Sawyer, the mayor of Sierra Leone’s capital and a leader in urban development and sustainability.
MY INTERNSHIP AT McKINSEY & COMPANY
This summer, during my internship at McKinsey, I gained incredibly valuable insights and experiences. Coming from a more niche pre-MBA role as a consultant engineer at FM Global, I was drawn to management consulting to learn about different industries and discover how I could apply the problem-solving skills I honed as an engineer to corporate-level challenges.
My goal for the internship was to gain as much knowledge as I could from those around me. I was fortunate to work with a team that was collaborative, supportive, and encouraging. It was an environment where insights were openly shared, feedback was given on each other’s workstreams, and questions were always welcomed. My coworkers were generous with their time, sharing their expertise and offering guidance whenever needed. Together, we worked toward delivering quality results for the client while also growing our skills along the way.
Throughout the summer, mentorship and support were ever-present. I had guidance from my team as well as leadership mentors and Tuck alumni who offered invaluable advice. My team embodied inclusive leadership, consistently emphasizing the value of each member’s contributions. The leadership qualities I witnessed from my teammates are ones I deeply admire and hope to embody in my career moving forward.
HOW TUCK’S COURSEWORK PREPARED ME FOR MY INTERNSHIP
The Tuck curriculum greatly prepares students for summer internships. We are encouraged to give and receive thoughtful feedback, creating a safe space to ask questions, share ideas, and clarify our understanding of complex problems. Specific courses like First-Year Project, Management Communication, Strategy, and Power and Influence were particularly impactful in preparing me for my internship.
Much like my summer team, my First-Year Project brought together individuals with diverse backgrounds working collaboratively toward a shared goal. For our project, we worked on an entrepreneurial initiative, helping a classmate design a new product for the beauty industry. This experience allowed me to contribute my expertise and insights while learning valuable skills from my teammates.
In Management Communication, we honed top-down communication skills, which proved invaluable when engaging with senior team members during the summer. Power and Influence helped me approach my internship strategically, considering the career path I wanted to carve for myself and the networking opportunities I aimed to pursue within the company. Finally, the frameworks learned in Strategy provided a solid starting point for brainstorming and tackling client issues with my team.
HIGHLIGHT OF TUCK
It might be a bit cliché to say that it’s hard to pick just one highlight, but it’s true. It’s probably even more cliché to say that the greatest highlight has been the people I’ve met and grown close to at Tuck, but that has definitely been the case. One specific experience that stands out was the Japan trek. It was a thoughtfully planned and extremely well-organized trip to Japan by some of my classmates. It was such a fun opportunity to learn about and experience another culture with fellow Tuckies.
Whether it’s traveling with friends, having movie nights together, or engaging in insightful conversations with faculty and staff, Tuck truly brings together an incredible community.
FAVORITES IN THE UPPER VALLEY
Still North is one of my favorite spots in the Upper Valley. I love reading, and it’s a charming bookstore that’s perfect for a quiet visit or for catching up with friends one-on-one.
Internship: Welch’s, Innovation Brand Marketing Intern
Clubs/activities at Tuck: Tuck Tripod Hockey Commissioner, Marketing Club Co-Chair, Tuck Admissions Associate, Ski & Snowboard Club
Currently reading or listening to: Dare to Lead, Brene Brown
MY INTERNSHIP AT WELCH’S
I had an incredible experience as the Innovation Brand Marketing Intern at Welch’s this summer. As part of the Transformational Innovation team, I identified new, fruitful opportunities across categories for Welch’s to enter. To do so, I leveraged consumer trends, in-aisle store visits, shopping cart data, and collaborated cross-functionally to work through the innovation process. I also had the opportunity to partner with consumer insights, write briefings, develop and test concepts, and ultimately propose and present a future innovation pipeline of products. It was an amazing learning experience!
I grew up with Welch’s, so I have a strong nostalgia for the brand. When navigating my internship search, this role stood out as a unique opportunity to pivot into marketing and CPG, while joining a brand I love and leveraging my background in innovation. As a legacy brand, I could see Welch’s was at a pivotal point, with new company branding like #LetsFruitStuffUp and its investment in recent product innovation. Overall, I was eager to be in a collaborative role where in blending data and creativity, I could contribute towards the future legacy of Welch’s.
CAREER RESOURCES AT TUCK
Before beginning my recruiting process, I reflected on what I wanted my post-Tuck chapter to look like. During undergrad, I read the book, Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, which is about designing lives and careers full of joy and meaning through design thinking. I was excited when Career Services hosted a few workshops based on the book, and I started my recruiting process there.
In Designing My Life, I emphasized that balancing “play” and work was central to how I wanted to approach my internship and job search. As part of Tuck Compass, I worked through my thought process with my Tuck mentor and developed a framework to guide my search. The key elements I focused on were:
If a role could “check the box” for two or three of these, I knew I’d be excited about the opportunity.
With a targeted approach like this one, networking was incredibly insightful. I leaned heavily on my network—meeting with Tuck second years, alumni, current and past mentors, and Bucknell alumni. I learned so much in these conversations, became more comfortable telling my story, and discovered what company environments and work would be most meaningful to me.
The power of networking is extremely important, but you never know where a resume and cover letter drop may lead! Sometimes with a bit of luck (along with thoughtful preparation), you can network yourself up from a first call with a recruiter. After all, that’s how I made it to Welch’s!
WHY MBA? WHY TUCK?
As a lifelong learner, I was eager to continue my personal and professional development through an MBA experience. I knew that I was looking for a career pivot, and Tuck was the best place for reflection and growth. I was excited to escape from the city to immerse myself in the process. With a small class size, I knew that I’d be able to get to know my classmates both inside the classroom and out, which was incredibly important to me. The supportive close-knit community of students, alumni, staff, and faculty is truly unmatched!
HIGHLIGHT OF TUCK
When applying to Tuck, I learned about this interesting sport called “Tripod Hockey.” I knew what hockey was, but I was curious about the “tripod” part. I quickly found out that most of the students in the league are learning to play hockey or ice skate for the first time, so “tripod” refers to the hockey stick being a player’s third leg on ice. Tripod hockey has been a highlight of my Tuck experience.
Being part of a team and cheering on classmates a few nights a week as we learn to play a sport completely new to many of us is a unique and uplifting experience. Teaching other Tuckies how to skate, hold a stick, pass, position, and simply engage outside the classroom has been a joy. I’ve had the pleasure of learning to play, captaining teams, and now, commissioning the league, which has been incredibly rewarding.
ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE MBAs
There’s a joy to saying no. Having good time management and smart prioritization are important here. At Tuck, there are so many opportunities to engage, and it can be challenging to decide how to navigate the school and activities once on campus. Before arriving, take some time to reflect! How do you want to spend your two years at Tuck? What tradeoffs are you willing to make, and which ones are non-negotiable? The more strategic you are in navigating Tuck, the more balanced and enjoyable your experience will be.
Internship: Summer Associate—Future Leaders Program, Barry Wehmiller
Clubs/activities at Tuck: Veterans Club, Men As Allies, Tripod Hockey, GM Club
Currently reading or listening to: Janesville: An American Story
One thing people would be surprised to learn about you: I watch more PBS than sports
Favorite place you’ve ever been: Zushi, Japan
Leaders you admire: Jimmy Carter, John McCain
MY INTERNSHIP AT BARRY WEHMILLER
After transitioning out of the Navy, I sought a career where I could continue to serve others while making a tangible impact—this time, through the lens of business. This desire led me to Barry-Wehmiller (BW), a privately held, diversified capital equipment manufacturing company with values rooted in the idea that “Everybody Matters.” Their commitment to prioritizing the well-being of team members alongside achieving profitability deeply resonated with my leadership philosophy and morals. Beyond the alignment of values, BW offered an environment ripe for opportunity where I could quickly grow, make a significant impact, and accelerate my career trajectory.
This summer, I had an incredibly impactful and enriching experience as an operational excellence & supply chain summer associate. Although based in St. Louis, I spent half of my internship traveling to manufacturing sites across the country, gaining invaluable, hands-on exposure to the operational processes that drive BW’s success. BW’s commitment to cultivating future leaders was evident throughout my time there, from their extensive support network of mentors who actively encouraged my growth to weekly lunch-and-learn sessions with members of the C-suite.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the internship was the level of independence I was given to manage and deliver on my projects. Without micromanagement, I was entrusted to analyze data, collaborate with teams, and develop actionable solutions to implement when I return full-time. Knowing that the work I contributed this summer will have a lasting impact gave me a sense of ownership and purpose throughout the 10-week internship.
HOW TUCK’S COURSEWORK PREPARED ME FOR MY INTERNSHIP
Tuck’s comprehensive core curriculum, taught by exceptional faculty, provided me with the foundational knowledge and practical tools to excel during my internship despite my non-traditional business background. Courses like Operations Management and Analytics gave me a deep understanding of process optimization and supply chain dynamics, which I applied directly to my internship projects.
While these core courses sharpened my technical expertise, the First-Year Project (FYP) uniquely prepared me to thrive in an environment that valued problem-solving, adaptability, and the ability to think critically to address real-world challenges effectively. By the time I started my internship, I was confident and fully prepared to contribute meaningfully, leveraging both my unique background and the business acumen I had gained at Tuck.
ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE MBAs
WHY MBA? WHY TUCK?
Similar to my search for a company, I wanted an MBA program that fit both my values and professional aspirations. Tuck’s uniquely close-knit community and strong emphasis on collaboration, which fosters deep, meaningful connections that extend beyond the classroom, was exactly what I wanted for my MBA. I chose Tuck not just to gain the skills I need for the next phase of my career but to become part of a lifelong network of leaders who share my commitment to making a positive impact.
FAVORITES IN THE UPPER VALLEY
Internship: Impact Investing Summer Associate at Uplifting Capital
Clubs/activities at Tuck: ESG Fund Director, Center for Business, Government and Society Fellow, Nonprofit Board Fellow, Tuck Student Board (Club Chair), Tripod Hockey (Captain), Leadership Fellow (Study Guide Mentor)
Currently listening to: Noah Kahan, YUNGBLUD, Bon Iver
One thing people would be surprised to learn about you: I am a first generation American and I actually learned English when I went to kindergarten. Romanian is what we spoke at home most of my youth.
Favorite place you’ve ever been: Paris, France. I studied abroad there for 6 months!
Leaders you admire: I have honestly been incredibly impressed by some of my classmates who have really stepped up to take on leadership roles and challenges at Tuck. Observing their actions, communication styles and growth has truly been admirable, and I am learning so much from their leadership every day and working on implementing these learnings into my own personal leadership style.
MY INTERNSHIP AT UPLIFTING CAPITAL
When I came to Tuck, I aimed to explore my interest in impact investing. During my internship with Uplifting Capital, I had the opportunity to complete an entire investment committee cycle from start to finish while also supporting the creation of externally facing materials for the fund.
Experiencing the whole process provided invaluable insights as someone new to the investing space. Seeing how the fund integrates impact into the core of its investments significantly enriched my understanding and complemented the knowledge I gained from my impact investing coursework at Tuck.
During my ten weeks with the team, I had the opportunity to work on two investment memos and dive deeper into topic areas through landscape research in EdTech, DEI, and sustainability. I also worked on investor relations materials, curating fund information for our limited partners about the impact of the portfolios we were constructing. I had the privilege of researching and developing training materials focused on how foundations integrate impact into the core of their investments and endowments. Additionally, through exposure to the fund's investment thesis and direct mentorship, I gained valuable insights into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals which are used to measure and report on social, environmental, and economic impact.
Overall, I gained invaluable experience working with a team of seasoned investors dedicated to identifying unique opportunities in the market that offer both competitive financial returns and social and environmental impact. I am truly grateful for such an exceptional summer internship experience.
MY CAREER GOALS
This summer highlighted that the world of impact investing is one where we make difficult decisions with capital based on imperfect information. Ultimately, being decisive is critical to taking action in what we believe equally drives both impact and alpha. It’s incredible to see what the small but mighty Uplifting Capital team has created as an investment vehicle, and the thoughtfulness and intentionality behind their work is truly inspiring. This summer has helped me gain clarity around my vision of a career in impact investing. Now, I am grateful to be back at Tuck for my second year, and I feel energized and inspired for what’s to come because of this incredible team.
CAREER RESOURCES AND RECRUITING
My recruiting experience was quintessentially Tuck. I was matched to my future manager through the Tuck Leadership Coaching Program, where students work with alumni to get targeted coaching on focus areas. As we got to know each other through our coaching sessions, I confided in her about some of the challenges in my recruiting journey, specifically lacking prior investment experience. Knowing I was interested in impact investing, and that being the space she works in, she coordinated with the Tuck Gives program directors to help curate my internship experience with the Uplifting Capital team so that I can get some experience under my belt. I am forever grateful to be a part of this close and supportive Tuck network that transcends cohorts.
WHY MBA? WHY TUCK?
My reason for pursuing an MBA at Tuck was to explore ways to better the world through responsible business, and to become a wise, decisive leader who balances impact on society while driving value creation. Tuck came at the perfect time in my life. Before Tuck, I worked in KPMG’s deal advisory and strategy consulting service line. I pursued an MBA because I was seeking to make a career transition from the accounting and consulting world into something focused on social and environmental impact. Tuck offered me a space to learn so much from both my coursework and classmates about the world and experiment with my interests and curiosities.
From the moment I visited Tuck during the Women in Business Conference as a candidate, it felt like home. Tuck is a unique little community that fosters deep and intentional connection amongst students and the administration, I don’t think I would have had as transformative of an experience elsewhere pursuing my MBA.
HIGHLIGHT OF TUCK
There are countless wonderful memories and experiences I have made while at Tuck. First of all, I learned to ski! Getting on mountains has been truly epic and I feel like I unlocked so much more of the world to see, I even went on the class trip to Austria to ski in the alps. I have also gotten to travel to South America for the first time, as many of my classmates have organized wonderful treks to their home countries of to Costa Rica, Brazil and Peru. Lastly, I was fortunate to attend the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Azerbaijan this year as part of the Tuck delegation, witnessing global diplomacy in fighting climate change first-hand was a truly incredible and formative experience.
WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE COMING TO TUCK
As someone who is not a very outdoorsy person, be prepared to fall in love with nature! She surrounds us here at Tuck.
Internship: The World Bank Group
Clubs/activities at Tuck: Center for Health Care; Revers Center for Energy; Net Impact; Tuck GIVES; Tuck Student Initiative for Decarbonization; the Center for Business, Government & Society; and Tuck Soccer Team
Currently listening to: Podcasts on sustainability and development, especially “Sustainababble” and “The Energy Gang.”
One thing people would be surprised to learn about you: I’m actually quite introverted despite the outgoing persona people often perceive.
Favorite place you’ve ever been: King Ludwig II’s Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Germany—set against the backdrop of the Bavarian Alps, the fairy-tale architecture and stunning natural scenery made it feel like I was stepping into a dream. The blend of history and beauty left a lasting impression.
Leaders you admire: Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her leadership at the WTO and focus on global trade, climate policy, and sustainability; Satya Nadella for his forward-thinking leadership at Microsoft.
MY INTERNSHIP AT WORLD BANK
During my internship with the World Bank’s Business Ready Project, I was particularly impacted by a policy reform meeting focused on using business environment indicators to inform development policy. Seeing how my research—from data visualization to legal analysis on private sector development—was transformed into actionable insights for global economic reform highlighted the power of data in shaping policies that promote sustainable growth.
My internship shaped my perspective as a future leader, particularly in understanding how evidence-based policymaking can be a powerful tool for addressing social and environmental challenges. What surprised me most was the complex interplay between regulatory policies and private sector growth. It emphasized the need for leaders who understand economics and possess the political savvy to implement impactful change.
WHY MBA? WHY TUCK?
I chose Tuck because it perfectly bridges my experience in infrastructure development and sustainability with my aspirations to drive global economic development. Before Tuck, I worked on projects that combined sustainable infrastructure solutions with policy development, ensuring that growth was both economically and environmentally sound. Tuck’s unique emphasis on leadership and its sustainability and global business resources offer me the tools to expand my impact. After Tuck, I hope to take this further by working at the intersection of policy, finance, and sustainability, helping governments and international organizations implement strategies that promote long-term economic development.
HIGHLIGHT OF TUCK
One of my best Tuck memories so far has been playing on the Tuck soccer team. There’s something special about coming together with classmates from all over the world, united by our love for the sport. It’s not just about the games themselves but also the camaraderie, the shared wins and losses, and the way soccer gives us a chance to bond outside of the classroom. One particular moment that stands out was scoring the winning goal in a closely contested match—it was exhilarating and a great reminder of how teamwork can translate into success on and off the field. Next on my bucket list is hiking Mount Moosilauke with friends before the end of the school year!
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