What Great Minds Can Do: Ashley Jefferson
"Because so many Seton Hall alumni work at Prudential, Seton Hall has become a top recruiting school for them. So I not only had two internships there, I also got a job after graduation. I owe it all to Seton Hall's reputation and the alumni who paved the way for my success."
Thousands of college students across the NYC metro area answered a call to take part in a special sales challenge with Shark Tank co-host Kevin Leary on an episode of ABC's 20/20. Ashley Jefferson was one of just three students to make it through to the challenge's end. That's no surprise; her talent, poise and drive helped her stand out. A testament to the skills forged by Seton Hall's Stillman School of Business, Ashley was articulate and engaging and had solid business experience to draw from.
"Stillman is one of the top schools in the nation," Ashley says. "I was challenged and supported. I could maintain a close relationship with my deans and professors, and that made the difference for me." Ashley was given many opportunities to grow — writing for The Stillman Exchange, participating in Stillman's Leadership Development Honors Program and being mentored by seasoned executives (including a vice president at Verizon and an executive at Deloitte.) It was great to have access to high-placed executives, she says. "The connections and insight they provide are tremendous. That's one of the wonderful things about being so close to New York City."
Ashley wasted no time taking advantage of the Career Center's services. "My career advisers assisted me with my resume and interview skills and helped me land internships with Prudential." Ashley had two paid yearlong internships at Prudential. She worked with treasury on the ratings agency team and in information technology with the planning and budget analysis unit for the company's operations in Japan.
As a sophomore, Albery began conducting research alongside her organic chemistry professor, James Hanson, helping him develop hydrophobic coating materials that may prevent rust and corrosion. "Being able to get such hands-on experience so soon in my college career opened many doors for me."
Little did Ashley know at the time that she had already begun her career; she graduated from Seton Hall with a full-time job at Prudential.
"The day I stepped foot on campus, I knew Seton Hall was the right place for me. It was easy to get involved and fit in. Seton Hall has such a diverse and inclusive community, and the University taught me how important it is to give back," she says. "Through the Martin Luther King Leadership Program and servant leadership projects, I have been able to provide help to underserved communities. I feel blessed to have been given many opportunities, and I want to elevate someone else's life because Seton Hall has elevated mine."
Seton Hall Career Highlights
- Featured on ABC's 20/20
- Mentored by corporate executives from Verizon and Deloitte
- Member; Martin Luther King Scholarship Association
- Money and Investing Writer, The Stillman Exchange
- Member, Leadership Development Honors Program
- Freshman Senator, Student Government Association
- Executive Board Treasurer, Student Government Association
- Completed two paid internships at Prudential