Graduate Student Applies Business Analytics to Real-World Business

In this “Internship Experience” blog post series, we will be featuring the profile and thoughts of our students from Syracuse University’s Martin J. Whitman School of Management as they reflect on their internship experience over the last year.

Name: Kerri Kunkel
Graduation Year: 2021
Major: M.S. in Business Analytics
Hometown: Binghamton, NY
Internship Company/Title: Real Chemistry – Technology Products and Solutions Intern

Describe your position and some of your daily tasks? 

In my position, I was involved in many different aspects of delivering the healthcare analytics platform Symplur, from marketing, analytics and customer success. Some tasks involved segmenting, evaluating and screening prospective and current customers through data science techniques, providing them with a more personalized product plan and marketing outreach to better fit their needs. I also created and monitored live analytics deliverables to informed marketing, strategy and customer service teams of activity patterns and brand initiatives that could be made to better serve their customers.

How did you land your internship?

I just applied! Real Chemistry (formally W2O) has a strong history with Syracuse University.

What did you learn from your internship experience?

Although Real Chemistry is a larger company, I worked on a close-knit team of about seven individuals. With such a small team, they really valued any new ideas and applications of data analytics that I could bring to the table. Just because you may be less experienced doesn’t mean that your ideas aren’t valuable! I brought a fresh and new perspective to the team. 

Has your experience changed your plans or career choice when you leave graduate school?

My experience has not changed my career plans; however, it did expose me to how valuable analytics is in the healthcare field.

How will your internship experience help you after graduation?

This internship will help me after graduation by giving me the experience of working with analytics in a global health innovation company.

How has the Whitman School prepared you for your internship?

My internship gave me the liberty to apply analytics in areas and ways I deemed fit. I took all the methods I have learned throughout my program and was able to apply them in real-life business practices.

What did you enjoy most about your experience?

Although my internship was virtual, Real Chemistry and my team did a great job of still feeling connected. I enjoyed most the feeling of community and openness for collaboration and contribution. 

Do you have any advice for students who are looking for an internship?

Apply! Even if an internship may seem beyond your current skill set, the purpose of an internship is to learn. Take advantage of any mutual connections you may have with the company. Community and networking will go a long way. 

Mallory Carlson
Latest posts by Mallory Carlson (see all)