Charles Chansa

My full names are Kanyanta Charles Chansa and I was born and raised in Zambia, I am currently a rising senior studying economics with minors in computer science and mathematics. This summer I am interning for BlackRock in New York City. I am working in the financial markets advisory division of BlackRock which is the group that deals with the worst of the “bad” assets or most complex problems governments and banks around the world have. The most important thing I have learned this summer is how to be responsible for my work which implies being extremely thorough and thoughtful in the work I produce because ultimately it goes out to important clients. 

During my sophomore summer in Dubai, BlackRock was one of the companies that came up in everyday conversation so I was drawn to the global presence that the company holds. I learned more about the summer internships through the online website BlackRock provides. 

Taking what I learned in class and applying it in the real world really consolidated all my learning. My internship was very intense and consisted of high stakes and time-sensitive engagements and hence I was exposed to an array of learning skills that I didn’t even know I had. I think I have learned the most I know about myself over the last few months.

One of the things that NYUAD gave me which really set me apart was the ability to be versatile. From being able to code to being able to present arguments thoughtfully, all these skills were key to convincing the firm from the onset of the interviews and throughout the internship. It is important to research a lot about the company and try to understand what they value and tailor your story to match the company. The value of being versatile is the ability to be the right fit for any position given your adaptability.

Any advice?

Know what you are good at and what makes you special and different from all other applicants. Having great prior internships are good but if you can show the company your unique set of experiences, you will set yourself apart which is what top companies are looking for right now.

I would say the superday was the hardest part to get through. Luckily, it was one of the final interviews I had and at that point I already had a lot of practice. Interviewing has a very steep learning curve so all it takes to climb up the curve is practice!