Students at the John Chambers College of Business and Economics participate during recent externship activities with WesBanco leaders at Reynolds Hall. (WVU Photo/Sean McNamara)
Choosing a career path is one of the biggest decisions a student will make. At the West Virginia University John Chambers College of Business and Economics, the externship program gives students a chance to explore before they decide.
Each externship brings an industry partner to campus for a full day of hands-on sessions, real business scenarios and conversations with professionals, giving students a preview of the careers they're considering.
“I think it’s one of the most important parts in connecting what you’re learning in the classroom with actually going out into the real world and getting a job,” Rivka Abelow, a sophomore with double majors in finance and management information systems, said. “A lot of the theory that you learn is really great. But you sort of miss the ‘why am I learning this’ component, and things like this really connect it.”
Experiential learning opportunities are embedded into Chambers College courses through the curriculum. The externships offer an additional way for students to work on applied projects.
“The externship program connects students to industry in a meaningful, hands-on way — real scenarios, real professionals and a genuine look at what a career path can be,” Sarah Glenn, Chambers College assistant dean of career development and external engagement, said. “For our employer partners, it's a strategic investment in their campus brand, their talent pipeline and the next generation of professionals in their industry.”
Abelow, from Shepherdstown, demonstrated an early interest in business when she launched and ran her own equestrian services company as a high school student. Through externships, Abelow learned she is drawn to the quantitative side of business and is interested in a corporate finance role.
“You can read all the job descriptions you want,” Abelow said. “But actually talking with people and hearing what they do on a daily basis really helps with deciding that.”
Whether their focus is on personal, corporate or public finance, the Chambers College equips students with the skills to evaluate and control risk in real-world scenarios after graduation.
The John Chambers College of Business and Economics recently hosted WesBanco leaders at Reynolds Hall for a day of externship activities with students. (WVU Photo/Sean McNamara)
“In a highly competitive field like finance, it is critical that students not only understand concepts but also see how they are applied,” Ann Marie Hibbert, finance department chair and professor, said. “Experiences like these strengthen that connection to the curriculum in a very meaningful way and often spark a deeper level of curiosity. We are very grateful to the companies and executives who make them possible.”
The Chambers College recently hosted five leaders from WesBanco at Reynolds Hall to share firsthand knowledge about business banking, professional possibilities, career advice and real-life scenarios students could face in the industry.
“It’s a give-back for us,” George Petroplus, WesBanco market president, said. “Any time we can come back and talk to students and faculty, it becomes full circle. I think back to when I sat in that same seat.”
Petroplus, a 2010 Chambers College graduate, described the participating students as engaged and curious.
“It’s been successful to identify young talent to get them from school and into the bank,” Petroplus said. “If a few kids walk out of there and think they really want to go into commercial banking from what they heard, I think that’s a win.”
Glenn said the externship program would not be what it is today without Encova, who joined as the College’s pilot employer in 2024 and immersed students in real-world commercial and workers’ compensation insurance scenarios.
“As a WVU alum and someone with deep business ties to West Virginia, I believe in finding avenues that expose the next generation of professionals in the state to the insurance industry,” Encova Commercial Lines Regional Vice President Kirk Aguirre said. “Along with a team of my peers, we had the opportunity to host two externships, which introduced 41 WVU students to our industry. In addition, new associates and interns have now joined Encova Insurance as a result of the externship. I see this as a major success for Encova, the WVU students and our industry.”
Seth Rowh, a sophomore finance major with a minor in professional sales, said it’s helpful for the participating businesses to lead students through how they handle real professional challenges.
“With Encova, it was underwriting. With WesBanco, it is approving a loan,” Rowh said. “The employees walk us through step by step. They know it’s our first experience with this. So, they make it very user-friendly. It’s basically a step into the door of what that career would be like.”
Rowh, from Parkersburg, is planning a future as a financial advisor. He was selected by Hope Gas to begin a summer finance internship in June. The hands-on learning experiences are invaluable to him as a student.
“It’s been a great experience for me,” Rowh said. “It’s taught me so much more about a business environment and working with teams in a business environment. We don’t really get that in class.”
So far, this academic year, 88 students have participated in the externship experience, and there are more dates scheduled.
Ready to connect with the next generation of business professionals? Contact Sarah Glenn at sarah.glenn@mail.wvu.edu to explore hosting an externship at Chambers College.