Business Fellows find clarity and connection in New York City

Elon University Business Fellows traveled to New York City in two cohorts to visit leading firms across finance and accounting, connecting with alumni and turning the idea of working in the city into a tangible goal.

Steam drifted from the grates of Midtown as Business Fellows from the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business navigated their time in New York City.

For many, the trip marked the moment when the city shifted from an abstract aspiration to a tangible future. It was not just a place to visit, but a place they could one day work and lead.

More than 50 Business Fellows participated across two cohorts in early fall 2025. The finance cohort visited firms from Monday, Sept. 29 to Wednesday, Oct. 1. The accounting cohort followed one week later, from Monday, Oct. 6 to Wednesday, Oct. 8.

From small companies to major corporations, the groups quickly discovered that they can act now for their future careers.

“I have already followed up with Logan Bernstein ’25 at Wells Fargo and he advised me to also connect with his colleague, JamiLynn Rufo ’07,” said Coulter Letzerich ’28, a finance major from Austin, Texas. “She shared more about sales and trading, and I am genuinely excited to continue that connection.”

Lauren Shafer ’28, a finance major from Baltimore, left the experience with greater self-awareness.

“This trip helped me better understand which types of positions I might enjoy and which ones may not be the best fit for me,” said Shafer. “I also realized that I may thrive more in a smaller company environment rather than a large corporation.”

Beyond exposure to competitive environments, the trip served as a direct bridge to Elon University alumni now succeeding in the industry.

“The alumni were incredibly approachable and offered meaningful insights into their careers,” Letzerich said. “The conversations at Wells Fargo made the company feel less intimidating. It was especially impactful to hear that April Frazer ’03, the CFO for CIB Banking, takes time to get to know everyone on her team.”

A theme emerged throughout the visit.

“Many of the professionals emphasized that the internship we choose is not the job we will have forever,” Shafer said. “It was a helpful reminder that we do not need to feel pressured to find the perfect role immediately.”

Other Fellows reflected on how the experience widened their perspective.

“Although the trip was primarily focused on finance, I quickly saw how media, real estate, and technology all overlap,” said Parker Forgash ’28, a finance major from Laguna Beach, Calif. “It reinforced the idea that success often comes from being adaptable and cross-functional rather than narrowly focused on one track.”

The accounting cohort returned with both confirmed ambitions and new possibilities.

“This experience solidified my dream to work at a Big Four accounting firm in New York City after graduating from Elon University,” said Izzy Butler ’28, an accounting major from Virginia Beach, Va. “Hearing how alumni built their careers reinforced the importance of strong teamwork and meaningful collaboration, especially through group projects.”

“This trip expanded my understanding of what a career in accounting can actually look like,” said Gia Rosko ’28, an accounting major from Cleveland, Ohio. “At companies like Lyft, I saw how accounting fuels innovation and strategic decision-making across industries, not just within traditional audit or tax roles.”

All were given advice that they will be carrying forward.

From alumni and employers:

Following up is more powerful than a strong first impression.
The first job does not define the future; careers evolve.
Curiosity and initiative matter as much as technical skills.
A strong network is a long-term form of capital.

The Business Fellows also have their own advice for future Elon University students considering going on company visits:

Treat every company visit as a serious opportunity. The experience is ultimately what you make of it, and preparation and engagement matter.
Focus on building genuine relationships, not just collecting contacts. Alumni truly want to help, but authentic conversation makes the difference.
Do not feel pressured to have your entire career figured out. Professionals emphasized that your first role does not define your future.
Stay open to career paths you did not originally consider. Some of the most valuable insights came from unexpected places.