Samreen Sonde

Class of 2025

Currently Studying: MS in Human Resources Management

Current Internship: Club Management Intern, BJs Wholesale Club

Pronouns: She/Her

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Samreen Sonde '25 is strengthening her leadership skills and understanding of human resources management during her internship, solidifying her aspiration to pursue a career in the field.

How has the Lubin School of Business helped you prepare for your current internship?

Career Services has been instrumental in helping me refine my resume, allowing me to pass the AI resume screening process for interviews.

What attracted you to this internship?

I was drawn to this internship because of BJ's commitment to caring for families.

Describe what a typical day looks like as an intern at your organization?

I oversee operations and provide leadership and direction within the organization. I collaborate with other managers to drive team member engagement, and I develop talent through coaching, teaching, and developing team members. Additionally, I assess team member performance and provide actionable feedback. I evaluate departmental performance using company reporting programs and provide recommendations to maximize sales, profits, and performance. Ensuring that operational processes are consistently followed in highly controlled areas such as receiving, asset control, and human resources is also a key part of my role. I continually monitor customer service levels to ensure a positive service experience is delivered to all members and maintain an understanding of club policies and procedures across all areas of the club.

What has been the highlight or most enjoyable aspect of your internship so far?

The highlight has been visiting different clubs, meeting new employees, and understanding their perspectives.

This internship has strengthened my leadership skills and deepened my understanding of human resources management. It has solidified my aspiration to pursue a career in human resources by providing real-world experience in team development, operational efficiency, and performance evaluation.

How has this experience shaped or impacted your career goals?

This internship has strengthened my leadership skills and deepened my understanding of human resources management. It has solidified my aspiration to pursue a career in human resources by providing real-world experience in team development, operational efficiency, and performance evaluation. The hands-on experience and networking opportunities have significantly influenced my career path.

How will this experience impact your next semester at Lubin?

This internship will allow me to apply practical knowledge to my coursework, deepen my understanding of human resources concepts, and enhance my engagement in class discussions. It has provided valuable connections and insights that will benefit my professional growth.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students who would like to pursue an internship in the future?

Yes, persevere until you succeed and maintain contact with your counselors; interactions with them can be life-changing.

Connect with Samreen:

• Connect with Samreen Parvaz on LinkedIn
• Follow Samreen Parvaz on Instagram

Ananya Srinivasan Kannan

Class of 2024

Currently Studying: MS in Accounting Data Analytics and Technologies

Current Internship: Internal Audit Intern, Panasonic Corporation of North America

Pronouns: She/Her

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Ananya Kannan '24 is interning and gaining valuable insights in automation, government sales, and compliance.

How has the Lubin School of Business helped you prepare for your current internship?

The Lubin School of Business has been instrumental in preparing me for my current internship. Working almost every week with the Career Services team, I was able to perfect my resume and clearly articulate my background and goals. Their support and guidance provided valuable insights, allowing me to present my qualifications effectively and align them with my career aspirations.

Working almost every week with the Career Services team, I was able to perfect my resume and clearly articulate my background and goals. Their support and guidance provided valuable insights, allowing me to present my qualifications effectively and align them with my career aspirations.

What attracted you to this internship?

I was drawn to this internship because I've always wanted to work for a company known for its innovation and excellence. The chance to join a team that values forward-thinking solutions and offers a collaborative, growth-oriented environment really appealed to me.

Describe what a typical day looks like as an intern at your organization?

My days are both structured and dynamic. I start each morning with a check-in with my supervisor to align tasks and priorities. From there, I work on a variety of assignments, which keeps things interesting. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities for learning, making every experience unique.

What has been the highlight or most enjoyable aspect of your internship so far?

The highlight of my internship has been testing a new automation tool and learning about government compliance. Both experiences have been exciting and provided me with valuable insights into new areas.

How has this experience shaped or impacted your career goals?

This experience has clarified my career goals by highlighting the importance of automation, government sales, and compliance. It has inspired me to pursue roles that integrate these areas and use technology to improve processes.

How will this experience impact your next semester at Lubin?

This experience will help me bring practical insights into my next semester at Lubin. For example, I'll apply what I've learned about automation and compliance to my projects and coursework, making them more relevant and effective.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students who would like to pursue an internship in the future?

Start by clearly defining what you want to gain from the experience. Do your research on roles that fit your goals and go from there!

Connect with Ananyas Kannan on LinkedIn

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Samantha Buturla

Class of 2024

BA, Writing and Rhetoric/MA, Communications and Digital Media

How did you become interested in pursuing a BA in Writing and Rhetoric and as part of a combined degree program with the MA in Communications and Digital Media?

I have always loved to write and create real and fictional stories, and it took coming to Pace and enrolling in a Critical Writing course with Professor Joan Drago—based on the New York City campus—to set me down this path. I dedicate my interest in writing and in this degree to her, as she provided sincere feedback on my writing and a sense of urgency to never stop writing.

I wanted to enroll in the Writing and Rhetoric, BA and Communications and Digital Media, MA combined degree program so that I could apply my expanded interests towards a future career. As an undergrad, I have taken several Media, Communications, and Visual Arts courses as open electives (casting and event planning, to name a few) and enjoyed every moment. This combined degree program allows my writing and creative thinking skills to be challenged while I map out a career within which I feel both secure and happy.

Why did you choose to attend Pace?

I chose to attend Pace because I felt in my heart that something great was waiting for me here. I am originally from Massachusetts and have also lived in North Carolina and Georgia, where my family currently resides. I had always known I wanted to go to college in New York, but finding and attending Pace was entirely unplanned. It’s important to follow and listen to your heart and that is why I chose to attend Pace.

What have your experiences been like with the English, Writing, and Cultural Studies Department? Have certain faculty been instrumental in your journey?

My experiences with the English, Writing, and Cultural Studies department have been full of interesting, positive, and supportive times in more ways than one. This department has become a second home and safe place where my fellow classmates and professors provide support. There are people here who care and want to see me succeed; they have helped push me to become a better version of myself. Faculty such as the department chair, Robert Mundy, DA, Alysa Hantgan, PhD, Dana Cadman, PhD, and Jo-Ann Schlesinger, PhD, have all played a crucial role in my success and accomplishments throughout my journey at Pace.

My experiences with the English, Writing, and Cultural Studies department have been full of interesting, positive, and supportive times in more ways than one. There are people here who care and want to see me succeed; they have helped push me to become a better version of myself.

What activities and organizations have you been involved with as a student?

I am the president and managing editor of CHROMA, the literary and arts magazine for students by students, which creates annual issues full of art, poetry, fiction, and more. Previously, I was secretary and senator for the organization and am excited to enter my third year with them.

What internships have you had as a student?

In fall 2023, I was a volunteer for a local non-profit theater in Pleasantville called Arc Stages, which resulted in an internship for the spring semester. My role consisted of being an assistant teacher in children’s theater classes, researching social media marketing, and volunteering time to hang up posters for shows and working concessions for them. It has been so incredible to be involved with an amazing theater surrounded by people who have the same passions as I do. The opportunity came through the English, Writing, and Cultural Studies department and was one of my greatest experiences as a Pace student. I will be resuming my same responsibilities for Arc Stages when I return this fall 2024.

What would you like to do upon graduation/what are your career goals?

I would like to be a published poet and/or screenplay writer. There is so much still to learn and experience; I have many, equal interests in writing and theater, so I hope to have a career somewhere between the two.

What advice would you like to give to our current students?

Be kind to yourself and remember to ask for help even if you are the type of person to push through. Your classmates and professors are here to help you succeed; you are not alone here.