Internship Spotlight: Anthony Gonzalez
By Nathaniel Valyo
Stillman News Editor
Anthony Gonzalez is a senior finance and IT management major in the Stillman School of Business from Clark, NJ. The Stillman Exchange reached out to Anthony recently to hear more about his experience interning for Barclays.
Q: What was the internship that you completed? What were some of your responsibilities?
A: I served as an Operations Intern for Barclays Investment Bank. I worked on the Servicing and Contact Center team for Vocal Channels. Some of my responsibilities were to help organize and prepare the company for our transition from an in-built consumer contact system to newly outsourced cloud-based server. This included researching and eliminating obsolete servers and routing numbers as well as identifying inconsistencies in our researched data. Over my time at Barclays, I completed a multitude of projects that ensured our transition to the new cloud-based server was seamless.
Q: Why did you decide on the company that you chose to work?
A: Deciding on Barclays was an easy decision. Similar to when I stepped on to the Seton Hall campus 4 years ago, I felt at home at Barclays. Every individual I met during my time at Barclays loved their job and was always ready to extend a helping hand. In addition, Barclays prides themselves on creating a culture of diversity, acceptance, and philanthropy. These are principles for which I live my life by, so choosing to work for Barclays was simple.
Q: How did you go about finding and obtaining this internship? Why did you apply to this one specifically?
A: As a Senior member of the Buccino Center for Leadership Development, we often are notified of job postings from program alumni. We all received an email regarding a listing for an internship at Barclays. After some research, I realized that Barclays aligned with many of my values and inspired me to become a part of their mission. After applying, I was accepted into the exclusive Inside Track Program in Fall 2019, which allows students to be a part of a two-day program on the Barclays Campus. Day one consisted of a campus tour, a presentation on Barclays, as well as networking with current employees. Day two consisted of interviews for the Summer 2020 internship program. About three weeks later, I received an offer to intern with the summer class of 2020.
Q: What was the most valuable skill that you learned from your experience?
A: During my time at Barclays I learned so many things. Although, I believe the most important skill I learned is to never, ever be afraid to ask questions. I was able to meet with Senior Vice Presidents and Managing Directors to get their advice, develop relationships and network all because I learned this skill early on. Everyone at Barclays encouraged the interns to give their all and to always ask questions.
Q: How was learning in a work environment different from working in a classroom?
A: While learning in the classroom is exciting, getting to take all of this knowledge and apply it in real life is truly exhilarating. The connections you make and lessons you learn could never compare to working in a classroom setting. While giving you new skills and contacts, it also allows you to learn the inner workings on the industry, which will be invaluable during any career path.
Q: What was the company culture like?
A: The Barclays culture is one of collaboration, support, and drive. Every individual I met during my time at Barclays loved their job and was always ready to extend a helping hand. In addition, Barclays prides themselves on creating a culture of diversity, acceptance, and philanthropy. Barclays lives by their R.I.S.E.S. motto which stands for: Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship.
Q: What were some skills that you learned at Seton Hall that you used in your internship?
A: Seton Hall prepared me for my internship in a multitude of different ways. The most tangible assets that I carried with me were my ability to lead and complete a project efficiently and effectively. In addition, Microsoft Excel is so widely used in business, I was lucky enough to have all the skills possibly necessary to succeed in my internship.
Q: What advice would you give to students who are actively searching for internships?
A: Never give up and continue to work hard. Networking and hard work will allow you to achieve anything you can dream of. Also, apply to everything you could qualify for. You may hear a “No” a million times, but it only takes one “Yes” to change your life forever.
Q: What is next for you in your career? Did your internship experience help guide your future career goals?
A: I have been so honored and blessed to receive a return full-time offer as an Operation Analyst at Barclays after graduation. I am so very excited to start this next chapter in my life and grow as an individual at Barclays.
Contact Anthony at anthony.gonzalez@student.shu.edu