Summer Internship with NC IDEA
Kelsey Worsham, Daytime MBA 2025
This summer, I had the privilege of witnessing the positive impact of the skills I have learned and refined in business school on NC IDEA grant recipient companies. Over ten weeks, I applied financial modeling, marketing strategies, pricing analysis, and data-driven decision-making techniques, all of which are core components of my Fuqua education, to nearly thirty consulting projects. For instance, I developed detailed financial projections that helped startups understand their cash flow needs and potential profitability. I also crafted marketing plans that leveraged digital tools and analytics to maximize customer reach and engagement. Many of NC IDEAโs grant companies are led by first-time founders, making it especially meaningful to pair their subject matter expertise with the unique skills of business school students. I conducted pricing analyses to help these founders better position their products in the market, ensuring they could maximize revenue while remaining competitive. Additionally, I facilitated strategic planning sessions that incorporated SWOT analysis and competitive benchmarking, empowering these entrepreneurs to make informed decisions about their business growth. As someone interested in pursuing entrepreneurship, I am confident that I will apply these skills directly to my future ventures. The powerful combination of entrepreneurial scrappiness, passion, and strong quantitative abilities is unparalleled. This experience has reinforced my belief in the value of a business school education and has prepared me to tackle the challenges and opportunities of starting my own business.
This internship was supported by the Summer Internship Fund, which enables first-year Duke MBA students to learn about the rewards and challenges of using business to drive positive impact without making a significant financial sacrifice. The program enables organizations that otherwise could not afford to hire MBA student interns to benefit from studentsโ expertise. Funds are raised through student fundraising and from donors who believe in the mission of the program. If you would like to contribute, you can donate online using your credit card.