Would this internship be considered corporate strategy?

I received an offer for an internship with Aetna and I was wondering if this would be considered as corporate strategy, or something else. Is this a solid opportunity? What kinds of jobs for full time would I be able to recruit for? I'm also interested to hear your take on the outlook for Aetna, the healthcare industry, etc. http://cblink.mit.edu/jobs/aetna-2017-summer-inte…

Some background: currently a junior at a semi-target with a 3.4, not dead set on any particular industry. I also have an offer from a BB for compliance but from what I've learned it's a very dry field. I know that recruiting for banks are mostly done but I'm not sure if there will be opportunities for other business internships in the spring. Thanks for your help.

6 Comments
 
Best Response

Seems to be more of a leadership development program than corporate strategy.

I'm going to be frank (not CB750), but as an undergrad if you go into strategy without really working in the industry, you're going to have a harder time coming up with concepts etc.

Consequently, a good leadership program (like this) provides a solid skill base for any new graduate and will give you enough insight into different business functions that you can help decide further on where to go. I wish I had done something like this before I went to get my MBA.

Take it if you're interested and enjoy the ride.

'77 CB 750 '69 Cortina GT
 

Yeah I mean from what I've seen in my school ( one of the B's in the northeast), there's a strong recruitment push to hire someone with a broad knowledge background for an MBA, as the degree at its heart is broad, with the ability to specialize.

When you're young and looking to go to grad school, admissions boards are going to be wary of someone who has been out of undergrad for two years and really wants an MBA in finance.

My experience both before grad school and after is that it takes 3-5 years to truly master that entry level role, and combined with an MBA, you're ready to step into a role with more experience.

That being said, a lot of students who went into the full time program with me who did not have a lot of work experience struggled with concepts and relating them to work.

A rotational program, such as Johnson and johnson (fairly competitive and sought after), will give you the foundation to prove to an admissions board that you are serious about all aspects of business, and ready to move into a management position.

If you're really looking to get into finance (assuming it's banking, not FP&A), then a masters in finance is what you should be looking for. I'm not sure if that is your end goal, or if corporate finance / FP&A is more where you want to go. If you're set on corporate finance, the rotational program is the place to go- FP&A requires a touch of strategy, operations, emotional intelligence and negotiational skills, amongst others.

Most companies that have these programs will also pay for you to go to grad school- so if you do 3 years or so, then go to school for free and work for another few years, you can get a new job and blow other candidates out of the water in the hiring process.

Tldr; almost all programs are good. Find a company that works in an industry you like and then try and get into their program. Once you've done the rotations, apply to a big name MBA, you'll get in to stern at least.

Good luck!

'77 CB 750 '69 Cortina GT
 

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'77 CB 750 '69 Cortina GT

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