UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — When Daniel Garcia Calao came to Penn State from Bogotá, Colombia, he hoped earning a college degree in the United States would open new opportunities. Four years later, his Penn State journey has taken him from Penn State Abington to Penn State University Park and, most recently, to Washington, D.C., for a summer internship with World Bank Treasury.
Garcia Calao, who is dual majoring in economics and finance with a minor in supply chain and information systems, spent the summer completing a rotational internship with World Bank Treasury. There, he worked with three teams, gaining experience in pensions, asset and liability operations, and advisory services.
“It was a truly global experience that strengthened both my technical skill set and my understanding of international financial institutions,” Garcia Calao said.
As a Chapel Executive Intern, Garcia Calao received enrichment funding through the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network to help cover his housing expenses in Washington. He also enrolled in LA 495 Undergraduate Field Experience, a half-credit course designed to help students reflect on and make the most of their internship experiences.
“The Chapel Executive Internship made the summer possible,” Garcia Calao said. “The funding covered my summer housing, which allowed me to save and invest my money and work toward my financial future.”
Garcia Calao was born and raised in Colombia and began his Penn State experience at the Abington campus. As an international student adjusting to a new environment, he found community through campus involvement, eventually serving as president of the Latine Student Organization and participating in student government and Lion Ambassadors.
After two years, he transitioned to the University Park campus, where he continued building his network and pursuing leadership opportunities.
Garcia Calao’s interest in economics and finance continued to grow as he progressed through Penn State. He added economics as a second major to broaden his knowledge and strengthen his preparation for internships and a career in finance. Courses in microeconomics, statistics and environmental economics gave him experience with concepts that he later encountered at World Bank Treasury, including central banking, economic policy and how different economies operate.
Source: www.psu.edu
