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Five students from ������ have been selected for the prestigious Siemens Financial Leadership Development Program (FLDP), landing internships that will take place in the summer of 2026.

The global technology company offered these highly competitive spots to just 25 undergraduate students nationwide this year. From the thousands who applied, Siemens selected 40 students to attend “Super Day,” an event including interviews and a case study competition at their U.S. hub in Atlanta, Georgia. Ten ������ students were recommended for consideration by their professors, and all of them, 25% of the total competitors, were selected to participate.

While ������ was one of the smallest institutions represented at the event that saw students from many of the nation’s largest and most prestigious public and private universities, it had the largest “Super Day” presence from a single school. Following the competition, five ������ students were selected for the internship program. In the 12-week paid internship program, Ashtyn Bringardner, Anna Grace Hjerpe, Djeana Timas, Gabriel Victoria and Ben Wakefield, all from the Class of 2027, will experience the day-to-day functions of a wide range of businesses as they learn how to analyze and support the financial aspects of a multi-billion-dollar company. In the coming weeks they will learn their individual assignments, which can take place in any of Siemens’ nationwide offices.

Upon completing the internship, high-performing interns who are seniors will have the opportunity to interview for a full-time position in the FLDP rotational program where they can opt to pursue a career path as a financial analyst, accountant, business process specialist/auditor, business or plant controller or data analyst for Siemens. In 2024, three ������ students completed internships and all have been offered full-time roles at the company.

Here are some reflections and advice from ������’s 2025 Siemens FLDP program interns:

Ashtyn Bringardner ’27

Major: Accounting
Hometown: Raynham, MA

How did your experience at ������ help you prepare to compete for an internship at Siemens?

“������ prepared me well for this opportunity through coursework and with the support of professors such as Dr. Starzecki and Mrs. Marcotte. Insight from ������ students who interned with Siemens last year also helped us understand the expectations, and it made the interview process much more reassuring to go through it together as a group.”

Anna Grace Hjerpe ’27

Major: Accounting
Hometown: Northboro, MA

What stands out in your mind most from your experience at “Super Day?”

“If I had to choose one word to describe my experience at 'Super Day,' it would be surreal. I went into the experience with an open mindset — whatever was meant to happen would happen. Of course, I really wanted to get the internship but didn’t want to get my hopes up. What stands out most about my 'Super Day' experience was the group of classmates from ������ who went with me. Many of us had taken classes together before but had never really connected outside of that. Over the course of those two days, the five of us naturally formed a little team. While many other students seemed to view each other as competition, we became each other’s support systems. We shared encouragement, offered advice and helped calm each other’s nerves when things got overwhelming. That bond was something I wasn’t expecting, but it genuinely shaped my experience. For me, 'Super Day' was more than an interview process and case study. It was an opportunity and experience I never had imagined myself having, but I’m so grateful I did.”

Djeana Timas ’27

Major: Marketing
Hometown: Clinton, MA

Why do you think ������ had such a strong showing in this competition?

“I believe ������ had a strong showing at Siemens 'Super Day' because we represent many of the same values and have similar cultures. We have a shared focus on ethical leadership, teamwork and strong communication. Being from a smaller university like ������ and knowing the students I went with was impactful. We were able to navigate through 'Super Day' together, bouncing off each other in conversations, introducing one another and supporting each other throughout the day. ������ faculty also played a huge role in preparing us. That support and preparation combined with our collaborative mindsets, set us up for success.”

Gabriel Victoria ’27

Major: Finance
Hometown: Scotland, CT

What are you most looking forward to in your internship?

"I am most looking forward to working with a company that is involved in today's most innovative and relevant industries, such as AI automation, clean energy, high-speed transportation and so much more. Having the chance to be working on the forefront of these fields will be incredibly rewarding."

Ben Wakefield ’27

Major: Finance
Hometown: Montclair, NJ

What advice would you give to future ������ students looking to get into the Siemens FLDP?

“Take advantage of the amazing resources we have at ������. There are so many professors and even other students who are happy to help you in preparation for interviews like this. Also, make sure you understand the material from your business classes beyond the tests. Having a solid foundation in that regard will help you a lot in the interview process.”

Dr. Teresa Starzecki, assistant professor in ������’s Jean and David W. Wallace Department of Business and Economics, led the University’s participation in the Siemens FLDP process, coordinating the recruitment visit, preparing the students and making recommendations for student selections alongside lecturer Rita Marcotte.