Five Salve Regina University students have secured spots in the prestigious Siemens Financial Leadership Development Program, beating out thousands of applicants from across the country for summer 2026 internships.
Juniors Ashtyn Bringardner, Anna Grace Hjerpe, Djeana Timas, Gabriel Victoria and Ben Wakefield will participate in the 12-week paid program running from May through August.
The global technology company offered internships to just 25 undergraduate students nationwide this year. From the thousands who applied, Siemens invited 40 students to “Super Day,” an event featuring interviews and a case study competition at the company’s U.S. hub in Atlanta.
Though Salve was one of the smallest institutions represented — competing against students from many of the nation’s largest public and private universities — it had the largest single-school presence at the event. Ten Salve students, all recommended by their professors, were selected to attend, making up 25% of the competitors.
“We are incredibly proud of — but by no means surprised by — our students’ success,” Salve president Kelli J. Armstrong said. “Their hard work in the business program, our faculty’s dedication to preparing them individually and the support and kindness that they all provide to each other is part of what enables Salve students to shine among the nation’s best as they step into their careers.”
During the internship, the students will learn how to analyze and support the financial aspects of a multi-billion-dollar company. High-performing interns who are seniors can interview for full-time positions in finance roles including financial analyst, accountant and data analyst. Last year, three Salve students completed internships and all were offered full-time roles.
Dr. Teresa Starzecki, assistant professor in Salve’s Jean and David W. Wallace Department of Business and Economics, leads the university’s participation in the Siemens program alongside lecturer Rita Marcotte.