Economics Major Jean Ngunjiri '26 Discovers Passion for Data Science at Amex
Name: Jean Ngunjiri
Class Year: 2026
Major: Economics
Minor: Data Science
Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya
Internship Organization: American Express
Internship Title: Finance Analyst
Location of Internship: New York, N.Y.
What's happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!
During my 8-week summer internship at American Express, I was part of the Data Science and Analytics team within Corporate Planning and Analysis. My primary project involved estimating the impact of holidays on financial metrics and adjusting year-over-year growth calculations to account for these impacts. I was responsible for analyzing how various holidays influenced spending patterns and developed methods to integrate these adjustments into our financial models. This experience allowed me to gain valuable insights into data-driven decision-making and enhance my data analysis and modeling skills.
Why did you apply for this internship?
I applied for this internship at American Express because I was eager to gain hands-on experience in data science and analytics within a leading financial services company. I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to work on financial modeling and analysis projects, as I wanted to apply and expand my skills in a real-world setting. The prospect of contributing to important corporate planning and analysis tasks, such as estimating and adjusting for holiday impacts, aligned perfectly with my academic background and career goals. Additionally, the chance to work with a highly skilled team and learn from industry professionals was an exciting opportunity to further my professional development in the finance and analytics field.
Was there anything special about how you found this internship?
Yes, there was something special about how I found this internship. While I had been eyeing opportunities at American Express for a long time, I also had the advantage of hearing firsthand experiences from friends who had interned or worked there. Their positive feedback about the company's culture and the impactful projects they were involved in solidified my interest. This personal insight, combined with my own research, made me even more enthusiastic about applying and joining the team.
What has been your favorite part of this internship?
My favorite part of this internship has been the amazing coffee chat culture. At American Express, there's a unique opportunity to engage with colleagues from various departments in an informal setting. These conversations have not only provided me with valuable insights into different roles and functions within the company but have also fostered a collaborative and open work environment. Learning from diverse perspectives and building meaningful connections across the organization has been incredibly rewarding.
Jean Ngunjiri '26My favorite part of this internship has been the amazing coffee chat culture. Learning from diverse perspectives and building meaningful connections across the organization has been incredibly rewarding.
What is something you have learned from your internship that you didn't expect?
One unexpected learning from my internship was discovering my passion for both data science and interacting with people. While I initially joined the team focused on data analysis and holiday impact estimation, I found that I genuinely enjoyed the process of communicating insights and collaborating with others. This blend of technical and interpersonal skills has been a surprising and rewarding aspect of the experience.
Can you talk about the skills you are learning and why they are important to you?
During my internship, I've gained valuable skills in:
- Data Analysis: Essential for making data-driven decisions and understanding financial trends.
- Excel Proficiency: Key for organizing and analyzing large datasets efficiently.
- Communication and Collaboration: Important for effectively sharing ideas and working within a team.
- Problem-solving: Crucial for addressing challenges and developing innovative solutions.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced at your internship?
The biggest challenge I faced during my internship was having limited professional experience before starting. However, my team was incredibly supportive and provided guidance and resources to help me bridge these gaps. Their support was instrumental in helping me build confidence and competence in areas where I initially lacked experience.
What is most rewarding about your internship?
Meeting amazing people and professionals. This internship went above and beyond my expectations!
Through the Career and Civic Engagement Center Beyond Bryn Mawr Summer Internship Program, Bryn Mawr students pursue opportunities in fields such as nonprofits, government and law, health care, research, sciences, business, and the arts. Thanks to the generosity of our alumnae/i and donors, over 150 students across all academic departments are funded to pursue unpaid internships or research experiences in the U.S. and abroad each year.