When Gabrielle Gathers first arrived at Temple University’s Fox School of Business, there was a lot to do as a new college student.
Getting settled into a new living space, meeting new friends, attending classes…the list went on.
But also on her to-do list? Securing an internship.
“As a student, having an internship allows me to see real-world applications of what I learn in class,” said Gathers, who is majoring in international business. “When I return to coursework, I already have experience with the concepts. It makes learning more engaging and helps me grasp material more quickly, especially in business classes.”
With the help of INROADS, a non-profit national organization that creates pathways to careers for students, Gathers was able to get an internship with Pfizer, one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
“I applied for a legal internship,” she said. “It wasn’t directly related to my major of international business, but it seemed like a great opportunity.”
And it was.
Her internship work included supporting Pfizer’s Equity and Inclusion Committee, something she is passionate about. Since her internship was based in New York City, she commuted from northern New Jersey where she stayed with a family friend for the summer.
“Pfizer’s internship program is incredible,” she said excitedly. “I was able to network and learn about other divisions within the company. I really loved the culture, which made me want to return.”
The following summer, she did just that.
“I came back to Pfizer, this time as a commercial intern, supporting the global marketing team and helping to develop Pfizer’s Loss of Exclusivity playbook,” she said, referring to the strategic plan used by pharmaceutical firms to manage revenues as patents expire. “It was another amazing experience.”
Gathers is very appreciative of the professional experience she gained with her internships, but equally important is the growth she experienced on the personal side.
“Being placed outside my hometown in western Pennsylvania gave me insight into whether I prefer living in a city, the suburbs or even another country,” she said.
Most recently, Gathers has made “another country” her temporary home as she is currently studying abroad at Temple University’s Rome campus.
“It’s a dream come true,” she said of the time she is currently spending in Italy. “I’m definitely getting a lot of experience living in a different country, in a different culture. It’s made me think of all the opportunities that are out there for me.”
When her semester abroad ends, Gathers will pick up back on Main Campus where she left off. She has an active presence there, participating in leadership roles in several organizations.
She serves as the internal audit chair for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She’s also the external outreach chair for the International Business Association, one of the Fox School’s student professional organizations.
“These are other ways that I’m able to get involved in the things I’m most passionate about,” she said.
This summer, Gathers will be changing things up in terms of her internship experience.
“I have officially accepted an offer to join BNY (Bank of New York) for its 2026 Summer Internship Program,” she said. “I’ll be based in Pittsburgh, working with the Enterprise Onboarding Platform team.”
And in the fall, she will be entering what is expected to be her final year in college. It’s an exciting time, with a lot of opportunities left for her to explore.
“There’s a lot of pressure on college students to choose one path and stick with it forever,” she said. “But internships help relieve that pressure by exposing you to different possibilities and helping you figure out what you truly want to do.”