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Samantha Nieves

Project Manager, Cisco

Class of 2024
BBA in Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications with a minor in

Internship: Business Analyst Intern, Cisco

Pronouns: She/Her

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Samantha Nieves is going above and beyond at her summer internship with Cisco. Not only does she welcome feedback from her managers, but she's also not afraid to ask questions, learn new things, and take on challenges...And she isn't just a leader at Cisco. This fall, Samantha will serve as Chief Executive Officer of Â̾ÞÈËÊÓƵ's on-campus chapter of the . Equipped with her experience from Cisco, Samantha is ready to take AMA to the next level.

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

The Lubin School of Business has provided a great foundation for my academic and professional careers. Lubin provides many opportunities for students to get involved with real-world experiences unlike any other university. My roles on campus, in the classroom, and in my internship are all led by Lubin. Without the inspiring professors, academic counselors, and wonderful student body, I would never be able to have the opportunities I have today.

What attracted you to this internship?

My interest in this internship came from my role in the American Marketing Association. I found my passion for data analysis by attending the AMA International Collegiate Conference and translated that into my career decision process. Cisco's role as a Business Analyst Intern allows me to continue to explore my interest in data while being able to dive into alternative roles in the marketing field.

Describe what a typical day looks like as a Business Analyst Intern at Cisco.

Because Cisco is based in California, my mornings are a bit more of a "catch-up," but my day always starts with a cup of coffee...and then deciding if I want to go into the office. My day then consists of emails, intern events, and one-on-one meetings to dive deeper into my projects and ensure my progress continues as I near presentations. After a few more Excel sheets, meetings, and data holes, I finish my workday around 5:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

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

The highlight so far has been my team—I have never met such wonderful people who continue to push me to my fullest potential. I have never been afraid to ask questions, speak my mind, or challenge something, and with that, I have never been afraid to be given feedback. I am treated as an equal, which is very refreshing. Another highlight has been being able to choose my intern project! As daunting as it sounds, having support from my team to pursue my ideas has been nothing short of perfection.

How has this experience shaped or impacted your career goals?

Through my internship, I have found a new career path that truly interests me. Being a part of the Cisco family is eye-opening—I am encouraged to explore alternative career paths from my major. During my interview process, my current manager told me to explore "mediums" within the marketing field. She explained that there is no point in limiting myself to my major as there is so much to explore and that limiting myself would only hurt me in the end.

How will this experience impact your next semester at Lubin?

The impact Cisco will have on my upcoming semester will be tremendous. I was able to truly learn valuable technical and non-technical skills that I will use in my role as a student organization leader and as student at Lubin. As I approach my senior year, I believe I have finally found something I am passionate about, and I can't wait to explore all the opportunities it will bring me.

Value everything you are given, and do not be afraid to take risks. Connect with as many people as you can, make an effort to learn new things, and most of all, make the most of the time you have at your internship—not everyone has the same opportunities you do.

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

Advocate for yourself and give yourself the credit you deserve. The more doubt you put into yourself, the more limits you set, and you will ultimately hinder your own growth. You are worthy, valued, and should be treated with respect. Value everything you are given, and do not be afraid to take risks. Connect with as many people as you can, make an effort to learn new things, and most of all, make the most of the time you have at your internship—not everyone has the same opportunities you do.