Every spring, ambitious business students get a unique opportunity to step into the world of a Fortune 500 company and contribute directly to its success. This is made possible through the Executive in Residence Program (EIRP), a dynamic initiative that serves as a powerful career foundations program, particularly for those interested in Broadridge Career Foundations Program.
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., a leading firm providing comprehensive financial management and consulting solutions, is the driving force behind this program. They offer students an invaluable experience, acting as both mentor and beneficiary of the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas brought by these young talents.
Students participating in the Broadridge Executive in Residence Program with Professor Margot Palermo, highlighting the Broadridge Career Foundations Program.
Through the EIRP, students gain deep immersion into Broadridge’s proxy management services, a critical aspect of the financial industry. Broadridge, with locations in Edgewood and Lake Success, Long Island, plays a pivotal role in corporate governance, managing board elections for a vast majority of U.S. public companies and delivering proxy materials and financial statements to an impressive 80% of North American households.
Professor Margot Palermo from the College of Business emphasizes the dual benefit of the program: “The goal is to identify and engage high-achieving students early in the spring semester, inviting them to participate in this course that not only enhances Broadridge’s operational effectiveness but also serves as a cornerstone for their Broadridge Career Foundations Program journey.”
Typically, the program attracts around 14 students each semester, all maintaining a GPA of 3.2 or higher. Working collaboratively in teams, these students channel their academic knowledge and creativity to develop strategies that bring tangible value to Broadridge.
While the specific projects remain confidential to protect proprietary information, Professor Palermo offers a glimpse into the nature of their work. “Imagine a project focused on designing a user-friendly mobile application. This app could empower consumers to seamlessly access and manage their diverse health information across the entire healthcare spectrum. This kind of project reflects the innovative thinking and practical application of skills that the program fosters,” she explained.
The culmination of the EIRP experience is a formal presentation of these strategic initiatives in a boardroom setting. “Presenting in a real boardroom environment is transformative,” Palermo notes. “It allows students to apply their academic learning to real-world business challenges, gaining invaluable practical experience and bolstering their readiness for the Broadridge Career Foundations Program and beyond.”
Broadridge’s commitment to nurturing future talent extends beyond the EIRP. Their partnership with Stony Brook University is multifaceted, including the sponsorship of the Innovation Lab within the Computer Science Building, demonstrating their investment in technology and innovation, key components of the Broadridge Career Foundations Program. This collaboration is mutually enriching, fostering innovation and providing a talent pipeline.
Samantha Mitchko ’20, a Stony Brook alumna with a double major in business management and psychology, along with a marketing specialization and creative writing minor, attests to the program’s impact. “EIRP was a unique learning environment where we functioned as a team of consultants, guided by faculty as mentors rather than traditional lecturers,” Samantha recalls. “It was my first significant leadership experience, providing the perfect platform to hone my communication and analytical skills. The experience was incredibly rewarding and is undoubtedly a standout achievement on my resume as I embark on my professional journey, potentially within the Broadridge Career Foundations Program.”
For some students, the EIRP has indeed paved the way to full-time employment at Broadridge, directly feeding into the Broadridge Career Foundations Program.
Brian Wong ’19, a double major in economics and business management, is a prime example. Now an associate within Broadridge’s Career Foundations Program, Brian credits EIRP for accelerating his career trajectory. “From engaging in AI projects to understanding the product management lifecycle, the program provided a crucial insight into how major financial institutions leverage Broadridge systems in their operations,” Brian states. “It was an invaluable stepping stone into the Broadridge Career Foundations Program.”
Broadridge Financial Solutions Manhattan office, a Fortune 500 company offering career foundations programs for business students.
MBA candidate Samantha Vallarella, a Stony Brook alumna from both undergraduate (’17, BS in Business Management with Finance specialization) and graduate programs, currently contributes to an oversight project at Broadridge. Samantha directly attributes her career path to Stony Brook University and the opportunities facilitated by campus recruiter Erika Zizzo. An initial internship secured by Erika evolved into a part-time role during Samantha’s final undergraduate semester and culminated in her current position as a financial analyst in the Strategic Deal and Pricing Advisory team, approaching her second year as a full-time associate within what can be seen as the broader Broadridge Career Foundations Program.
“My undergraduate education equipped me with foundational skills in data analysis and communication,” Samantha reflects. She remains actively involved with Stony Brook University students through the EIRP, now contributing to the program that once benefited her.
“I am deeply passionate about and invested in the EIRP initiative,” Samantha affirms. “It’s a mutually beneficial ecosystem. Students gain practical, real-world experience by developing and presenting viable business strategies for a major corporation. Simultaneously, Broadridge gains fresh, innovative perspectives on their processes and product offerings and cultivates a robust talent pipeline directly aligned with the goals of the Broadridge Career Foundations Program.”
Professor Palermo encapsulates the symbiotic relationship: “It’s an exceptional avenue for community engagement, creating potential employment pathways for our students and delivering significant value to Broadridge. This truly embodies a win-win scenario for the students, the College of Business, and Broadridge, strengthening the Broadridge Career Foundations Program in the process.”
— Glenn Jochum
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