Opening Doors: My Summer Internship at Perr&Knight
- Written By Zach Ferdico
This past summer, as I stepped into the offices of Perr&Knight in Jersey City, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of excitement and anticipation. Securing an internship here was a dream come true—a chance to immerse myself in the professional world I was eager to join.
As a Business Marketing student at Northeastern University, I’ve always sought opportunities that would not only challenge me but also enhance my personal and professional growth. My internship at Perr&Knight did just that. Situated in the bustling environment of their Jersey City office, I found myself right in the heart of corporate dynamics, surrounded by professionals who were masters of their craft.
One of the unique aspects of my internship was the office culture. The casual office lunches were not just meals; they were my window into the lives and experiences of my colleagues. These gatherings, along with a memorable crew event for the Northeast region—complete with a competitive game of bingo and delicious catered food—helped me connect with team members not just in my office but across the region. Although I missed winning at bingo by just one number, the laughter and camaraderie made it a winning experience in every other way.
Professionally, I was positioned under the guidance of Kyle Hales in Perr&Knight’s Risk Strategies & Solutions practice area. This placement allowed me to collaborate across multiple departments, tackling a variety of tasks that broadened my understanding of our industry. A significant project for the state of Arkansas taught me a valuable lesson: most business problems in the actuarial consulting industry require creative, nuanced solutions. This project, like others, pushed me to refine my technical skills, particularly in PowerPoint and Excel. The need to produce client-ready deliverables accelerated my learning, turning initial struggles into skills on which I now pride myself.
The interaction didn’t stop at internal meetings. I frequently communicated with clients—ranging from newcomers with fresh insurance product ideas to seasoned clients requiring regular updates. These interactions were not just transactions; they were real relationships being built, providing me with invaluable experience in professional communication.
Reflecting on these three months, the lessons I’ve learned extend beyond technical skills. The nuances of professional life—such as the importance of detail in every deliverable and how one presents oneself in the workplace—were underscored daily. At Perr&Knight, I learned that professionalism isn’t just about how you dress or how much you know about your work; it’s about embodying confidence and competence in every interaction, truly taking the extra initiative to fully understand and address a client’s needs.
As I look back, I realize that my internship was not just about learning to navigate the corporate world; it was about discovering how to open doors to future opportunities through hard work, creativity, and a genuine commitment to excellence. At Perr&Knight, I didn’t just observe; I participated, grew, and left with a blueprint for my future career.
