Lehigh University Athletics
Photo by: Matt Smith
Internship Spotlight: Sam Charlton
9/23/2020 12:01:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse, Features
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic creating obstacles, a number of Lehigh men's lacrosse student-athletes completed worthwhile internships over the summer. We continue by spotlighting senior Sam Charlton.
By: Justin Lafleur, Lehigh Sports Communications
When Sam Charlton's summer internship was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he did something about it.
"Going into the summer, I was planning on working at an investment bank in Philly, but I found out late April that it was going to be canceled," he said. "I didn't know what I was going to end up doing, so I started reaching out to people and reaching out to [Lehigh Lacrosse] alumni.
"I connected with an older alum (Paul Barnes) and we had a very good conversation," Charlton continued. "He works at Duff & Phelps and I was talking to him about their valuation practice. It came about where I could have an opportunity to work there for a couple weeks, see what their program is about and learn about their company as a whole."
It may not have been a full summer internship program, but arguably just as valuable.
"There were around 45 other interns domestically across the United States," said Charlton. "We heard from all different groups – like valuation advisory services, portfolio management and disputes – about everything they do. We also had a group case study."
Charlton worked with other interns from across the country.
"We worked as a team to present on a case study for valuation and selling a company," he said. "It was a really good experience. We also did individual case studies and I was in the Philadelphia region, so I met with one of their managing directors and presented a project to him."
Because of the pandemic, the experience was fully remote.
"My days were 9:00 to 5:00 or 8:30 to 5:00," said Charlton. "Days included Webex meetings and we also had time to work on our individual or group projects."
As a finance major, the experience helped expose Charlton to a company and position of interest.
"Post-graduation, I definitely want to work in an investment banking or valuation job, so Duff & Phelps tied in perfectly," he said. "I learned so much. I literally learned more in those two weeks than I did all semester, just because it's tied in directly to what I want to do."
Charlton learned a lot this summer, not only about investment banking, but also about how to manage life in the 21st century in the midst of a pandemic. Something as simple as communicating virtually will help, especially at a time when virtual communication will likely remain important… at least for the foreseeable future.
"We have different avenues of communication and I learned how to use those tools to effectively communicate," he said.
Charlton's time learning from Duff & Phelps likely wouldn't have been possible without the Lehigh Lacrosse network, which is something he doesn't take for granted.
"I am so grateful," said Charlton. "Just the network of our alums, being able to reach out to them and talk to them – not even about specific jobs, but just about life or career advice – is so valuable. I reached out to an alum who was super helpful, didn't think twice and gave back.
"I couldn't be more appreciative."
By: Justin Lafleur, Lehigh Sports Communications
When Sam Charlton's summer internship was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he did something about it.
"Going into the summer, I was planning on working at an investment bank in Philly, but I found out late April that it was going to be canceled," he said. "I didn't know what I was going to end up doing, so I started reaching out to people and reaching out to [Lehigh Lacrosse] alumni.
"I connected with an older alum (Paul Barnes) and we had a very good conversation," Charlton continued. "He works at Duff & Phelps and I was talking to him about their valuation practice. It came about where I could have an opportunity to work there for a couple weeks, see what their program is about and learn about their company as a whole."
It may not have been a full summer internship program, but arguably just as valuable.
"There were around 45 other interns domestically across the United States," said Charlton. "We heard from all different groups – like valuation advisory services, portfolio management and disputes – about everything they do. We also had a group case study."
Charlton worked with other interns from across the country.
"We worked as a team to present on a case study for valuation and selling a company," he said. "It was a really good experience. We also did individual case studies and I was in the Philadelphia region, so I met with one of their managing directors and presented a project to him."
Because of the pandemic, the experience was fully remote.
"My days were 9:00 to 5:00 or 8:30 to 5:00," said Charlton. "Days included Webex meetings and we also had time to work on our individual or group projects."
As a finance major, the experience helped expose Charlton to a company and position of interest.
"Post-graduation, I definitely want to work in an investment banking or valuation job, so Duff & Phelps tied in perfectly," he said. "I learned so much. I literally learned more in those two weeks than I did all semester, just because it's tied in directly to what I want to do."
Charlton learned a lot this summer, not only about investment banking, but also about how to manage life in the 21st century in the midst of a pandemic. Something as simple as communicating virtually will help, especially at a time when virtual communication will likely remain important… at least for the foreseeable future.
"We have different avenues of communication and I learned how to use those tools to effectively communicate," he said.
Charlton's time learning from Duff & Phelps likely wouldn't have been possible without the Lehigh Lacrosse network, which is something he doesn't take for granted.
"I am so grateful," said Charlton. "Just the network of our alums, being able to reach out to them and talk to them – not even about specific jobs, but just about life or career advice – is so valuable. I reached out to an alum who was super helpful, didn't think twice and gave back.
"I couldn't be more appreciative."
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