Keeping Emerging Talent Right Here, in Delaware

BY HELANA RODRIGUEZ

Rowan University senior Joe Carriero spent summer 2022 as a commercial banking intern at Fulton Bank. A New Jersey native, Joe started his internship with limited expectations of Delaware and the unique culture it affords young talent starting their careers. And yet, following graduation, Joe plans to bring his skillset back to the First State! He attributes his decision to his well-rounded experience with Fulton Bank and the State Chamber’s Intern Delaware program.

We had a chance to catch up with Joe to hear how Intern Delaware impacted him and his decision.

Can you describe your experience in the Intern Delaware program? What did you learn?

I was encouraged to participate in the program when I started my internship with Fulton Bank.

Little did I know that this program would be the highlight of my internship experience! The program allowed our cohort to network with a vast number of industry professionals who offered great advice on how to set ourselves up for success and make a lasting impression during our internships. I developed strong bonds with other interns in the state, who I still stay in touch with today. The program offered diverse event programming; even the casual networking events had unique aspects to them. Overall, Intern Delaware was an incredibly positive experience.

As an out-of-state participant, what did you learn from Intern Delaware that you may not have otherwise experienced?

Born and raised in New Jersey, I always knew that Delaware was just “over the bridge,” but I never realized how different Delaware really is. Everyone I met through Intern Delaware says that Delaware is a tight-knit community where people can count on their fellow Delawareans whenever they need help. It also feels like there is more opportunity to build a career in Delaware than in the neighboring states. Businesses across the state are growing rapidly, and there is so much potential for innovation, collaboration, and connection between every industry sector. For these reasons, Intern Delaware has opened my eyes to the career opportunities Delaware has to offer, and I will be looking to return after I graduate!

What was your biggest takeaway from your internship? How do you think it prepared you for your career?

Always go the extra mile. Often, there are work events that may be after business hours or take away from time spent working on a project. If you can properly manage your time, it is always a good idea to go out and network with people both within and outside your company. There’s always something to learn. The person you meet today may end up interviewing you for your dream job tomorrow. I believe these networking tips can help any business professional and this advice has prepared me well for my full-time career.

What advice do you have for future interns who will go through the program?

Get involved! Intern Delaware will only help you if you are a willing and active member. Even if an event does not match your career interests, there is so much to learn from the speakers, your peers, and members of the Delaware State Chamber, who run the Intern Delaware program. You will not regret becoming a part of this program, and I wish you all the best in starting your careers!

Intern Delaware is dedicated to helping build Delaware’s future workforce by keeping talent in the First State. The 2023 program will run from June 5 through August 11, 2023. Learn how your company and interns can become involved by contacting Helana Rodriguez at hrodriguez@dscc.com.