In today’s competitive job market, securing meaningful internships and gaining practical experience is essential for students aspiring to excel in their careers. Jayquan Kirkland ‘27, a finance major and basketball player at Albertus Magnus College, exemplifies this through his journey with the Knights of Columbus Corporate Headquarters in New Haven and his dedication to professional growth. This blog post delves into Jayquan’s internship experience, the significance of professional attire, and his personal journey from student to professional.
Discovering the Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is an insurance company with offices nationwide. Jayquan’s role as a Securities Analyst in the investments department has provided him with valuable insights into the financial industry, which he hopes to leverage when he graduates and begins his career. His journey began with an introduction facilitated by Patrick Clifford, the Director of the Office of Career and Professional Development. Clifford connected Jayquan with President and Chief Investment Officer Anthony “Tony” Minopoli, which ultimately led Jayquan to an interview, marking the start of his internship experience.
A Day in the Life of a Securities Analyst
As a Securities Analyst, Jayquan’s responsibilities are diverse and engaging. He conducts financial analyses of municipalities, such as cities, counties, and school districts. His tasks involve writing detailed reports, analyzing district financials, and studying demographic trends, particularly in senior housing. This role has ultimately given Jayquan the opportunity to grow his critical thinking, both written (write-ups), and verbal (asking questions). He is also required to think critically in order to discover and analyze important information, and he feels as though his professionalism has also grown as he has become more comfortable operating in a corporate environment. These core competencies will undoubtedly prepare Jayquan for any future roles in the financial sector following his internship, and his experience highlights the importance of bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application.
Suited for Success
In addition to his internship opportunity, Jayqaun was also given the opportunity to dress for success with a free tailored suit from Valentino Tailors in Hamden, a family business owned by Enzo and Alicia Valentino. Jayquan was selected after introducing himself to Alicia and discussing his upcoming internship with the Knights of Columbus. At Jayquan’s first visit to Valentino Tailors, they showed him various suit styles and colors, ultimately deciding on a navy blue suit with a white dress shirt and a red tie. They then performed the fitting in order to perfectly tailor the suit to him. At the second visit, Jayquan tried on his suit, and while he thought it was excellent, Enzo Valentino wasn’t done quite yet. To complete the look, he made a few more slight adjustments. On the final visit, Jayquan tried on the final suit, which he describes as “perfect”. After choosing some socks and a few more ties, Jayquan was ready for his internship.
When asked to describe the overall experience, Jayquan exclaims that the process was exciting. Besides a suit for prom, Jayquan had not worn many suits before, and he had never been in a tailor shop. For him, the opportunity to experience having a tailored suit felt incredibly special. During our interview, Jayquan exclaimed that during the process, he thought “All this for me?”
When reflecting on the importance of professional attire, Jayqaun states that dressing well shows you’re taking your role seriously.
“It shows your professionalism. It shows you’re serious about what you’re doing.” Playfully, Jayquan adds “I try to show up to work looking dapper every day.”
Thanks to Enzo and Alicia Valentino, Jayquan makes sure he shows up dressed for success (and dapper) every day of his internship.
Looking Ahead
As Jayquan completes the halfway mark of his nine-week internship, he continues to develop skills that will serve him well in his future finance career. His journey underscores the importance of internships, mentorship, and professional development in achieving career success.
Jayquan Kirkland’s journey from classroom to boardroom is an inspiring example of how internships and professional development opportunities can shape a student’s future. By embracing challenges, seeking mentorship, and striving for excellence, Jayquan is well on his way to achieving his career goals in the finance sector.
Resources
Connect with Valentino Tailors on Instagram and Facebook.
Visit Valentino Tailors’ website.
Learn more about the Office of Career and Professional Development.