Joshua Narcisse, COL ’27, Peekskill, NY
This summer, I had the opportunity to work as a Summer Marketing Associate with the Home Office Marketing and Sales team at Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY). Over ten weeks, I gained hands-on experience in client engagement, market strategy, negotiations, and competitive positioning while also receiving cross-functional training in underwriting, claims, and policy development. These experiences deepened my understanding of how marketing connects with risk evaluation and long-term business strategy.
One of the highlights of the internship was participating in a national case competition alongside other Summer Associates. Over eight weeks, our team collaborated across time zones and specialties—including actuarial, underwriting, claims, and marketing—to analyze the effects of inflation on the property and casualty industry. We were challenged to deliver actionable strategies that would help PHLY grow profitability and remain competitive in a constantly evolving market. Presenting these insights directly to senior leadership, including CEO John Glomb (Penn alum) and CFO Karen Gilmer-Pauciello, was a defining experience. It gave me a rare opportunity to contribute ideas that addressed real-world industry challenges while sharpening my ability to work within a diverse, cross-functional team.
What made this internship especially meaningful was the mentorship and relationships I built throughout the summer. Leaders like Michael Pinciotti (Penn Football alum), Bill Peel, and Robert Cahill generously shared their wisdom, and their guidance was instrumental to my success. I also had the privilege of connecting one-on-one with CEO John Glomb and CMO Brian O’Reilly, who took time to discuss leadership, strategy, and career development. These conversations underscored the strength of the Penn alumni network—one that is both strong and supportive, with alumni who are deeply committed to mentoring the next generation. Beyond the technical skills, these relationships emphasized the human side of business—how values like authenticity, humility, and collaboration drive long-term impact.
The internship also left me reflecting on the broader social role of companies like PHLY. By working on strategies that addressed inflation and market volatility, we weren’t just thinking about profitability; we were considering how to keep businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations resilient in uncertain times. In this way, my summer experience bridged business insight and social impact—showing me how corporate strategy can directly support the stability of communities across the country.
Looking back, this summer was more than a professional growth opportunity. It was a chance to learn from supportive colleagues, contribute to meaningful work, and see how collaborative problem-solving can drive both organizational success and community resilience. The mentorship, skills, and friendships I gained—particularly through Penn’s alumni network—will continue to shape my journey well beyond this summer.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2025 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
