Blending Business and Communication: Margaret Brown Finds Her Fit at Joele Frank

Margaret Brown ’26 (WHIT/NEW) is putting her dual degree in management from the Whitman School of Management and public relations from the Newhouse School to work in one of the most dynamic industries out there: financial communications. 

This summer, Brown is interning at Joele Frank, a top-tier financial communications firm based in New York City. As a member of the firm’s Digital team, she is part of a fast-paced environment where strategy, storytelling and analytics come together. 

“We work directly within client accounts, collaborating closely with the core teams to bring digital strategies to life,” Brown says. “It is hands-on, high energy and incredibly meaningful.” 

She discovered the opportunity through the Financial and Investor Communications Emphasis program, which blends her two academic interests. During a FICE-organized trip to New York, Brown and her peers visited Joele Frank and met Syracuse University alumni working at the firm. That visit proved to be a turning point. 

“Shoutout to Professor Tony D’Angelo for organizing such an amazing experience,” Brown says. “After the visit, we received an email encouraging us to apply. I jumped on it immediately.” 

The interview process only deepened her interest in the role. 

“The HR and Digital Team were so welcoming. I remember thinking, if the rest of the firm is like this, I would love to work here,” she says. 

At Joele Frank, Brown’s day-to-day work includes content creation, engagement analytics and digital strategy. Alongside her client responsibilities, she also participates in training sessions, guest speaker events and intern networking opportunities.

“It is not just about doing the work,” she says. “It is about learning the industry, developing relationships and growing your confidence.” 

Brown credits Whitman for preparing her to succeed in a demanding internship. Her coursework in topics like mergers and acquisitions and organizational behavior helped her understand the business side of the job, while Newhouse sharpened her writing and strategic communication skills. 

“The FICE program has been incredible for helping me see the intersection of finance and communications clearly,” she says. “And programs like IMPRESS have pushed me professionally through workshops and peer mentorship.” 

Outside the classroom, Brown serves as a Whitman Ambassador, Peer Mentor, and is the Director of Development of Hill Communications, a student-run PR firm on campus. She says those experiences helped her develop time management, organization and leadership skills that translated directly into her internship. 

“All of those roles gave me the chance to work with real clients, expand my network and build confidence,” she says. 

While Brown is still exploring her long-term goals, her internship at Joele Frank has helped clarify her interests. 

“With this internship, I am definitely leaning more into my Whitman finance side, and it feels like the perfect combo,” she says. “I have a lot more to learn and explore, and I am excited to dive into another year at Syracuse.” 

When asked to sum up her experience at Joele Frank in one sentence, Brown does not hesitate. 

“Joele Frank’s founder raised the bar, and this internship showed me how women can lead not just with style but with precision and outstanding results,” she says. 

As she looks toward her senior year, Brown is embracing every opportunity. 

“I’m still figuring things out, and honestly, I love that part of the journey! Who knows? Grad school might be next on the horizon—I’m keeping all my options open and enjoying the ride!” 

By Bo BenYehuda