Name: Jean Valencia Ngunjiri
Class Year: 2026
Major:  Economics
Minor: Data Science
 
Internship Organization:  American Express
Internship Title:   Finance Summer Analyst
Location:   New York, NY
 
What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!  

This summer, I worked on a project that focused on understanding and analyzing prepayment behavior in American Express’ Personal Loans business. Prepayments occur when customers pay back more than their required monthly installment, which directly affects the company’s accounts receivable forecasts and ultimately the revenue it earns from interest. My project was to identify seasonality trends in prepayments and recommend ways to incorporate these insights into forecasting models. I applied statistical techniques and tested adjustment methods to improve the accuracy of forecasts. Along the way, I learned how finance teams use data to support decision-making and how even small improvements in forecasting accuracy can have a meaningful impact on business outcomes.

Why did you apply for this internship?  

I wanted to experience how the skills I’ve been developing in my Economics and Data Science courses could be applied to real-world finance problems. American Express offered the opportunity to combine analytical work with strategic thinking, while also giving me exposure to one of the most recognized financial services companies in the world. I was especially excited to join a team where my project aligned with business-critical priorities and where my work could directly inform leadership decisions.
 
Was there anything special about how you found this internship? 

I actually learned about this internship through friends who are Bryn Mawr alums, which made it feel even more special. Hearing about their positive experiences at American Express gave me the confidence to apply and showed me how strong the Bryn Mawr network can be.  

What has been your favorite part of this internship? 

The highlight of this internship has been the people and culture at American Express. The environment is collaborative and supportive, where questions are encouraged and diverse perspectives are valued. The team fostered an atmosphere of trust and inclusivity that made the work especially rewarding. Beyond the day-to-day projects, the intern cohort added another layer of community. Building friendships and sharing experiences with peers made the summer both professionally and personally meaningful.

What is something you have learned from your internship that you didn’t expect? 

I didn’t expect to learn how important storytelling is in data. I came in ready to focus on technical analysis, but I realized the real impact comes from communicating findings clearly and connecting them back to business decisions. I also learned how much company culture can shape growth, having supportive mentors and teammates gave me the confidence to take ownership of my project and step outside my comfort zone.  

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced during your internship? 

The biggest challenge was learning to adjust when things didn’t work out the first time. Data isn’t always clean, and forecasts don’t always line up. At first, this was frustrating, but it pushed me to become more flexible and creative in problem-solving. I learned to test new approaches, ask for feedback, and not be afraid of trial and error. That process was challenging, but also where most of my growth happened.  

Working remotely for the first time? What has that experience been like for you? 

This was my second summer working in a hybrid format, so the experience wasn’t entirely new. I’d say it was manageable and quite doable. The remote days required being intentional about staying connected, setting up check-ins, asking questions, and keeping communication open. The in-person days balanced that out, giving me the chance to build stronger relationships with my team and experience the company culture firsthand. Overall, the mix of independence and collaboration made the hybrid structure work well. 

Can you talk about the skills you are learning and why they are important to you? 

Over the summer I developed: Analytical skills: Strengthening my ability to work with large datasets and financial models. Communication skills: Learning to present complex findings in a clear and engaging way for different audiences. Collaboration skills: Working with teammates taught me the value of feedback, brainstorming, and adapting ideas. 

Can you give us three adjectives and three nouns to describe your internship experience? 

Adjectives: Welcoming, Challenging, Transformative  

Nouns: Growth, Mentorship, Community 

Was this internship what you expected it to be?  

It was even more than I expected. I came in hoping to build technical and professional skills, and I definitely did that, but I also found mentors, peers, and a community that supported me every step of the way. 

What is most rewarding about your internship? 

The most rewarding part was the sense of ownership. Even as an intern, my project was tied to the team’s larger strategy, and I could see how my work contributed to bigger goals. Just as meaningful was the mentorship I received, having colleagues who believed in me and celebrated my progress made this experience unforgettable.