J.P. Morgan INTERN'S NYC/EHS EXPERIENCE

My name is Megan Lavins, and I am a senior studying Finance and Entrepreneurship at American University in Washington, D.C. This past summer I had the opportunity to intern in the Private Bank at J.P Morgan in New York City.

Although, I attend school in Washington, D.C, I grew up in a small suburb called Hudson, Ohio, so moving to the city was a very big change for me. I decided on American because I knew I wanted to study business, and it allowed me to intern throughout the school year to incorporate work experience during my studies. I was fortunate enough to have four separate internships before interning at J.P Morgan this summer. I am also involved in a social sorority, worked the retail store Vineyard Vines, and am the president of the Financial Management Club. All of these opportunities allowed me an experience at a Private Bank. I was nervous to live in a new city, without knowing many people, or how to navigate my way around. I had very little knowledge of the New York and no clue where to live. I decided to live at the Marymount dorms with the EHS program because of the positive reviews, and ability to walk to work. Choosing to live at EHS, really helped relieve my uncertainty because it was such an established program and everyone was so accommodating during my application. Walking to work saved me a tremendous amount of time. I lived in the Marymount Dorms on 55nd and 2nd Avenue in Midtown so it was only a ten minute walk to the office.

I was surprised how quickly I was able to embrace the city. The Marymount dorms were in a very accessible area, so the metro was less than block away, there was several grocery stores, and restaurants nearby. Central Park and Grand Central station were both only a ten minute walk from the dorms. This allowed me to really enjoy my weekends and evenings after work. A typical day at my internship was from 7:00am to 8:00pm so the ability to walk to work was crucial. It was also very convenient having grocery stores and restaurants open before and after I went to the office if I ever needed to pick something up.

I had a fantastic summer working at J.P. Morgan. My group, the Endowments and Foundations Group, sits within the investment side of the Private Bank, and afforded me a fantastic learning experience during my ten weeks. I learned about the investment process and the capital market system. I've had exposure to some of the brightest and most brilliant minds and leadership in the industry, and feel incredibly fortunate to have had such an experience. I found my way to the Endowments and Foundations Group after applying for and attending the Winning Women Recruitment event in September. After receiving a generalist offer within the investment engine, I networked and learned more about the specific groups and hear about this one. Given my background with previous internships, I felt the team would be a good fit--so I expressed interest, and ended up there. I was surprised how quickly I immersed myself at JP Morgan, and by how friendly everyone was to help and teach me. It was a very people oriented environment, which helped to make my experience so positive. I look forward to returning to the J.P Morgan after I graduate in May.

I had an extremely positive experience living at EHS. I lived in the large double and didn’t know my roommates before moving in. None of them interned with me at J.P Morgan and we were all from different universities and cities. I got along with them very well, and we got very close throughout our ten weeks in the city. I still keep in touch with them today through text and social media. EHS was an extremely accommodating and student friendly program. From the front desk operators, to the people working in the package room, everyone went above and beyond to help make my experience as easy as possible. The workers were always so kind and understanding and would help brighten my days before and after I went to the office. They also offered a lot of complimentary features like bagels in the lobby on Wednesdays, movie nights, and baseball games. The first week, my roommates and I signed up for the row boat event in Central Park. This was a great way for us to explore the city early on and do something fun together on the weekend. Since none of us were from New York, having these events were great ways to learn about all of the opportunities offered in the city. They were also very accommodating about the guest policy. I was able to have both my brother and best friend from home come stay with me for the weekend.

My favorite things to do in the neighborhood, were walk to the Whole Foods one block down, run every morning to Central Park before work, and explore the restaurants and coffee shops close by. My favorite restaurant to pick up food after work was from Hinata Ramen. It was only 100 feet from the dorms and was open until 4:00am! On the weekends, my roommates and I would go get our nails done and try a new brunch spot. This was a great opportunity for students to meet one another within the building. I am confident that living in the Marymount dorms was one of the main reasons I had such a positive experience this summer.

My favorite things to do in the city this summer were try new restaurants, explore different parts of the city and go running in Central Park. I loved going to Chelsea and SoHo, and found several ramen and brunch restaurants that I really enjoyed. Living at EHS in the Marymount dorms, made it very easy and accessible to explore different spots in the city. My favorite restaurant was called Terri, in Midtown. I would always pre-order and pick up my food on the way home from work. Another one of my favorite spots to go to on the weekends was Frozen Sweet in SoHo. It was a Thai rolled ice cream shop that was so good on hot weekends.

I’ve had an internship every semester and summer since freshman year, but this past summer was easily the most rewarding experience I’ve had thus far. Immersing myself into a new city, knowing very few people and much about New York, was a huge learning curve. Additionally, the amount of work I had during my internship exceeded my previous experiences. Having so many responsibilities enabled me to get a realistic idea of what it would be like to work full time her in the city. Although it was stressful at times, being held accountable to such a high standard was so meaningful and motivating. It would have been very hard to immerse myself into a new job and city if I didn’t have such a positive living experience. Living at EHS, enabled me to be in such an accessible area and meet great roommates making my summer that much more enjoyable.

I already miss living in the city, and look forward to working full time next summer. I loved the intensity and excitement of going to the office every day to learn from such empowering individuals. New York is now easily my favorite city, and I cannot wait to return after graduation.

One of my favorite memories from the city was when my brother came to visit me for the weekend. He hadn’t been to New York in over ten years so it was great showing him around to all of my favorite places. We tried new restaurants, explored parts of the city I had never been and went out at night where we met locals who’ve lived in the city their whole lives. Being with him and in the city reaffirmed how much I loved living in New York and I realized how thriving of a place it really is. I met some of the nicest and most genuine people during my ten weeks.

Another great experience I had this past summer was when I decided to run the New York Woman’s 10K one of the first weekends I was there. My supervisor was running in the race and suggested I sign up. I decided to register the night before the race, not knowing any friends or family running in it. Although, I went and ran the race alone, being surrounded by so many excited and positive woman was so empowering. I felt so inspired and welcome and was so happy I decided to participate.

The biggest advice I have for someone considering to intern or live in the city for the summer, is don’t hold back. This applies to every aspect of life; not just work. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, or with people on your team for more ways to help. This shows that you truly care and want to help in any way you can. If there is something you don’t understand, ask. We are students for a reason, so it’s better to ask than have a regret. Don’t hold back while living in the city as well. New York is arguably the greatest city in the world, so if you are given the chance to live there for a summer, live it up. Try new places, go out and socialize with your peers and roommates. Introduce yourself to new people you may not know. Sometimes going to new places and meeting people that you didn’t expect are the most rewarding experiences. I wasn’t afraid to run that race alone, and it was one of my favorite memories. I also wasn’t afraid to try new restaurants in different areas of the city, and they are now my favorite restaurants.

Even if you have a negative experience or encounter, it will give you a greater perspective and insight to see if New York is somewhere you want to end up. Living in New York City isn’t for everyone, but you’ll never know unless you embrace your time there to the fullest. I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to live in New York this past summer. I grew both professionally and personally from my experience. Without the EHS Program, I would not have had such a positive summer and I genuinely recommend the living program to anyone considering an internship in NYC.