Through its robust portfolio of programs, the Zell Lurie Institute gives students at the Ross School of Business the chance to step outside of the classroom and take advantage of opportunities that enrich the MBA curriculum with real-world experience.
Among these is the summer Marcel Gani Internship Program, which places students at emerging research-based companies, start-ups or investment firms throughout the U.S. Host companies benefit from the knowledge and expertise of an MBA student where interns play a crucial role in leading the company to the next stage in its business development.
Below are examples of how this year’s interns spent their summer. To learn more about the program, please visit: http://www.zli.bus.umich.edu/events_programs/internships.asp
- Nic Wetzler, an intern at Primus Power, came to Ross with a strong interest in global warming and sustainability. At the Zell Lurie Institute as a first year MBA, Nic entered the Michigan Business Challenge with a business plan for building wind turbines. He followed this with an internship at Primus Power, based in Alameda, CA. Primus Power is commercializing the next generation energy storage system aimed at improving the cost and reliability of the electric grid. This was an exciting next step for Nic. While there, he had the opportunity to work alongside the company’s founder and help shape the company’s future from building out their product strategy to identifying and bringing on partners and new employees.
- Matt Johndrow interned this summer at the U-M Office of Technology Transfer. The internship allowed him to contribute his expertise to several early-stage companies in different industry segments. Matt immersed himself in research, specifically looking into the medical device, pharmaceutical and soccer markets to determine if an entrepreneur’s ideas and products would be adopted by doctors, patients and soccer coaches. Matt is now planning to take his newly acquired research skills and apply them to his course work.
- Manisha Tayal jumped at the chance to intern at the Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA). In her role, she tracked venture capital activity in the State through research and direct interactions with local venture capital firms. She was able to gain an understanding of the industry, as well as its importance to Michigan. After she fulfilled her internship, Manisha stayed on at the MVCA to continue her research. While there she hopes to help grow the industry by helping to mentor and attract more talent.