Business Development Summer Intern Review

My role largely consists of analyzing AMEX's largest merchants and identifying how our share has evolved over the last 5 years whilst suggesting reasons for this and proposing strategic measures to boost our share. On a day-to-day this distills down to reading and analyzing company annual reports, retrieving internal data and using Microsoft Excel to create tables which explain the data in a digestible manner. I also contact relevant team members for clarification purposes and to get their advice on my work. I also create powerpoints to present to the team and my manager.

Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint - I've developed these skills significantly whilst on the internship. I've learnt new functions which are more advanced and have made my work more efficient. I've also developed my interpersonal communication skills through extensive networking with team members across various geographies. I've refined my presentation skills and learnt new ways to critically assess data and new frameworks for thinking.

Yes, I was given the opportunity to interact with merchant contacts. My project was also directly relevant to my team's overall work and the work has is directly relevant to areas that Senior Leadership are interested in delving further into. I've also been able to speak to Senior Leadership within multiple teams across the world since AMEX is a global company.

My manager was always available as a port of call with any issues I had or specific questions I had regarding my work. In addition, all colleagues were very helpful and informative when I reached out to either network or ask for advice. All team members were very willing to connect and interact with myself, ensuring to always make time when they could.

the company culture was great in all aspects - people were very inclusive and understanding of my religious beliefs and how that impacted social environments. Further to this, everyone from all seniority levels were always welcoming when I scheduled chats with them and always provided advice. the atmosphere was one that was friendly, positive and uplifting with a holistic focus on providing the best experience for interns.

I very much enjoyed my internship from all aspects: the work was challenging but interesting, the people around me were inquisitive, driven and fun to be around. the culture was one that supported all people and encouraged development in all areas. for these reasons i very much enjoyed my internship.

Yes

Research the company, ensure you know what they stand for and how the different business areas interact with eachother.