Economics and computer science senior turns internships into a full-time opportunity

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Experiential learning opportunities at Youngstown State University help students connect classroom knowledge with real-world experience, preparing them for careers before graduation.

One of those students is Nabayt Kibreab, an economics and computer science senior who recently secured a full-time role after completing internships with FactSet Research Systems and Pointer Creek Wealth Management.

During her internship with FactSet, Kibreab worked with financial data and supported projects related to market analysis and industry forecasting.

“In that role, I helped clients work with different types of financial data and supported projects involving financial industry predictions,” Kibreab said.

At Pointer Creek Wealth Management, she focused on technical and information technology tasks that supported the firm’s operations.

“I worked on technical and IT-related projects that supported the firm’s operations, including troubleshooting systems and supporting internal technology tools,” she said. Kibreab said she was drawn to FactSet because it aligned closely with her academic interests.

“My major is economics and computer science, and FactSet really represented the intersection of both my fields,” she said. “I didn’t want to work only in finance or only in technology, so it felt like the best of both worlds.”

She discovered both internship opportunities through networking events hosted by YSU’s Williamson College of Business Administration.

“The reason I found both internships was because I attended the WCBA’s meet the employer day,” Kibreab said. “That’s where I was introduced to FactSet and Pointer Creek.”

Kibreab said coursework and faculty support at YSU helped prepare her for the responsibilities of her internships.

“The things I learned in class helped me understand the financial industry and the market better,” she said. “The combination of finance and technology knowledge helped me apply what I learned in a real-world setting.”

Beyond the classroom, Kibreab said involvement in campus organizations played an important role in preparing her for professional opportunities. She has been involved with organizations including the African and Caribbean Student Union, the National Society of Black Engineers and other activities within the Williamson College of Business Administration.

“In many job interviews, employers ask about campus involvement because it shows leadership,” Kibreab said. “Those experiences helped me build communication and leadership skills.”

Her internship with FactSet ultimately led to a full-time job offer before graduation. “They offered me the position after I finished the internship,” she said. “The internship went very smoothly, and I really enjoyed working there.”

Kibreab said attention to detail and strong communication helped her succeed during the internship experience.

“I always write everything down and keep a notebook for each project,” she said. “That helps me stay organized and understand exactly what’s expected.”

After graduation, Kibreab will begin her full-time role with FactSet, continuing her work in the financial technology industry.

“I’m excited to start my full-time job,” she said. “YSU prepared me well for this transition.”

Reflecting on her experience, Kibreab said internships helped clarify the career path she wants to pursue.

“When I started, I wasn’t sure which direction I wanted to go because I have two majors,” she said. “But the internships helped me realize that working at the intersection of finance and technology is exactly what I want to do.”

Kibreab credits faculty mentorship and advising support at YSU for helping her succeed, including guidance from her advisor, Mary Coller.

“I attribute a lot of my success to my advisor,” she said. “She has always helped me with everything and supported me throughout my journey.”

Looking back on her time at Youngstown State University, Kibreab described her college experience as an opportunity to grow and discover her career path.

“When I first came here, I didn’t know what major I wanted or what to expect,” she said. “Through different opportunities, I discovered what I like and what I want to do in the future.”

Kibreab’s experience reflects Youngstown State University’s continued commitment to providing students with hands-on learning opportunities that connect academic preparation with professional practice. Through internships, faculty mentorship and experiential learning, YSU equips students with the skills and confidence needed to succeed beyond graduation.