How I'm Spending My Summer: Andrew Warhoftig '23

Chatham students always manage to maximize their summers, whether through study abroad experiences, internships, jobs, or on-campus research. In hopes of showcasing all the ways you can keep learning in-between semesters, we’re catching up with students this summer to learn more about what they’re up to. Next, we’re talking with Andrew Warhoftig, an applied data sciences analytics major who is completing an internship with Hefren-Tillotson, a leading financial services firm.

ANDREW WARHOFTIG

Pronouns: **He/Him/His**
Major & Grad Year: **Applied Data Science Analytics 2023**
Clubs and/or Activities on Campus: **Men’s Ice Hockey, Data Analytics Club, Omicron Delta Epsilon Economics Honor Society**

Can you tell us a little bit about the internship you are completing this summer and how you got it?

I am a data analytics major with minors in economics and mathematics, but I have always had a desire to work in finance. I was hoping to [find] a finance-related internship in Pittsburgh so that I could continue to live in my off-campus housing and also get relevant work experience that would help me further my career. I applied for a few jobs in Pittsburgh and was really excited about the chance to work in financial planning at Hefren-Tillotson once I was given the job offer. Unlike a lot of large corporate internships, my work at Hefren-Tillotson has been very applicable to the job that I would potentially be working if I were to continue to work in financial planning. The advisors within the company submit client information that the planners (my department) turn into workable data, corresponding charts, and ultimately a financial plan that the advisors are able to present to the clients detailing their entire financial outlook. I was immediately given the opportunity to learn the process of crafting plans, and joined the team in helping clients achieve financial well-being by working behind the scenes preparing plans for our advisors.

Is your internship on-site or virtual?

My internship is on-site at the Centre City Tower in downtown Pittsburgh where I report to the office every day from 9-5. Our department of 12 and a couple additional management employees occupy one of the floors of the building. I am in the cubicles alongside the other drafting planners which doesn’t sound overly exciting but the camaraderie of working with other young people completely changed my preconceived notions of office life. I really enjoy coming into work and having interactions with my colleagues. The setting is professional as far as personal appearance and the work that we are doing, but everyone still finds time to enjoy each other’s company over the course of the day.

What has been your favorite aspect of your internship so far?

My access to the industry from this internship is going to be invaluable for my career going forward. The courses at Chatham provided me with a great knowledge base for the professional world, but experience is truly the best way to provide real world application to concepts that we learn in the classroom. Hefren-Tillotson has also given me a lot of freedom to make the most of my internship by putting me in front of upper level management for Q&As and information sessions along with work that reflects the entry-level job post college. I have already gained so much beneficial knowledge in my short time with the company.

How is this internship relevant to your career aspirations?

I wasn’t quite sure which route I wanted to take within the financial industry, and I obviously still haven’t seen all of the options first-hand, but the client interaction aspects of private wealth management really appeal to my desire to continue to have social interactions in my career. Becoming a financial advisor would allow me to balance both my knowledge of the industry along with the communal feel of helping families achieve their goals financially and the burden that can be taken off of their shoulders given the proper management.

In your opinion, what are the benefits of completing a summer internship?

Aside from the day-to-day work, internships provide so much experience that can be taken to any field. Things as simple as showing up on time, dressing professionally, and interacting in the work world via emails and phone calls are non-specific to this industry, but skills that are so important towards a successful career. The rigidness of the schedule also makes time management important in order to maintain a proper work/life balance.

What are you studying at Chatham and what, so far, has been the highlight of that program for you?

I am an applied data science analytics major at Chatham and I couldn’t be happier with my choice in program. I feel that my knowledge of business and math principles has proven to be very valuable in finding patterns within data and drawing conclusions accordingly. Also, the accessibility to my professors in the major has made my education personalized and interactive which I feel is the best way to obtain a college degree.

Special thanks to Andrew for giving us a glimpse inside his summer internship. Interested in sharing more about what you’re doing this summer? Send any tips to cbell@chatham.edu.