Madison Lee ’26 (WSM/IST), a finance and information management and technology dual major, spent her summer immersed in the fast-paced world of banking as a cash management intern at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC). Working in the firm’s New York City office, Lee quickly adapted to the demands of her role, which placed her at the center of strategic initiatives and data-driven projects.  

“I supported the project management team through hands-on involvement in payment systems, legal workflows and financial data analysis,” she says. “It was a true crash course in how complex and collaborative cash management can be.”  

Lee found the opportunity through Handshake and advanced through a rigorous interview process that included both a recorded video submission and an interview with the cash management team. Once selected, she dove into her responsibilities, which ranged from slide deck creation and workflow tracking to market trend analysis and building infographics. However, one of her proudest moments came during the final week.  

“Presenting my final case study was extremely rewarding,” she says. “I had put so much time and energy into the presentation. Getting positive feedback made everything worth it.”  

Lee credits the Whitman School of Management with helping her feel prepared and confident. Courses like Financial Management and Managerial Accounting provided her with technical skills, while Strategic Management helped sharpen her critical thinking. But it wasn’t just the coursework that made a difference.  

“The Whitman exploration trip during my first year gave me a great glimpse into the corporate world,” she says. “That experience helped me understand what professional life could look like and pushed me to work on my networking and business etiquette.” 

She also found support through Whitman’s Goodman Leaders Academy and her role as a first-year mentor. “Being a mentor helped me bring empathy and initiative to my internship,” she says. “It gave me perspective and reminded me how important it is to listen and learn from those around you.”  

The experience at SMBC has helped Lee refine her long-term goals. “I always knew I wanted to work in finance, but this internship helped me realize I’m more interested in front-office roles,” she says. “It opened my eyes to just how many career paths exist within banking.”  

One of her key resources throughout the process was Christine Waby, her career advisor at Whitman. “She helped me so much with applications, resumes and interviews,” Lee says. “I met with her often, and her advice was instrumental.”  

As she reflects on the summer, Lee feels a renewed sense of direction. “I gained so much exposure to the different departments within a bank and met people with such diverse backgrounds,” she says. “Their advice and insights will definitely influence how I approach the start of my career.”  

With a strong academic foundation and a successful internship behind her, Lee is already thinking about what comes next. “Whitman gave me the tools,” she says. “Now I get to decide how I want to use them.”  

 By Bo Benyehuda