Josiah Brock, WH ’26, Birmingham, AL
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at American Express as a financial analyst within the B2B Solutions team in GCS Finance. My internship offered a unique blend of rigorous financial analysis and high-level strategic discussions, allowing me to gain both hard and soft skills that will be invaluable for my future career.
My primary project involved conducting a comprehensive analysis of the U.S. SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) segment within the B2B sector. I delved deeply into buyer and supplier discount revenue, volume, and relationship dynamics. This analysis aimed to identify opportunities for profit and volume growth. By utilizing advanced Excel techniques, I was able to model various scenarios and uncover insights that could drive strategic decisions. This hands-on experience significantly sharpened my technical skills and enhanced my ability to interpret complex financial data.
Beyond the technical aspects, my internship allowed me to develop essential soft skills. Engaging with executive board members, including CEO Steve Squeri, was a particularly enriching experience. These conversations offered me a profound understanding of the strategic vision and decision-making processes at the highest levels of the company. Discussing my project with such esteemed leaders allowed me to refine my communication and presentation skills, and I gained valuable feedback that helped me approach my analysis from a broader perspective.
The exposure to executive-level discussions and strategic thinking was one of the most rewarding aspects of my internship. It not only enriched my understanding of financial analysis but also highlighted the importance of aligning analytical insights with overarching business goals. This experience has left me with a clearer sense of direction and a deeper commitment to pursuing a career in financial analysis and strategic planning.
Overall, my summer at American Express was both intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding. It provided me with a robust set of skills and a fresh perspective on the role of financial analysis in driving business success.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2024 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
