Paola Corleto
Paola Corleto, Full-Time MBA Class of 2026
Finance Intern at American Express → Incoming Finance Manager | American Express 
Where did you land your internship or full-time role?
American Express. I interned as a Finance Intern and will be returning full-time as a Finance Manager.
Briefly describe your experience in landing this role. What challenges did you overcome?
Finding the right job was a process. First, I had to figure out what I was most passionate about and what I really wanted to do. This helped me focus my search and understand how to best communicate my story and experience as I recruited. From there, I embraced a ‘leave no stone unturned’ approach, leveraging every resource from LinkedIn to our internal career services portal. The most important part was reaching out to colleagues from the jobs I was most interested in. Through uncountable coffee chats I understood more about their culture and how they work. Their help was so important. This support made me feel confident and helped me get the job.
How did UNC, Kenan-Flagler Business School, the MBA program, or MBA Career Services help you secure this opportunity?
KFBS was my guide every step of the way. Career Services taught us how to target our resumes and develop strong cover letters. My coach, Nadine, was amazing —we had constant one-on-one meetings to check my traction and get feedback to do better in each new process. The Corporate Finance Club was also crucial, helping me understand how to prepare for interviews by really digging into company strategy and financials. The school’s constant support and cheering us on was just great.
What are your long-term career goals?
My long-term goal is to advance into a senior leadership role within corporate finance, driving strategic decision-making and contributing to the financial innovation that defines industry leaders.
What’s one lesson or insight you hope every MBA student takes with them after graduation?
I hope we all remember that our greatest tool as leaders is empathy. Our financial models and strategic plans are vital, but it’s our ability to listen, understand, and empower the people around us that creates lasting value and defines our legacy.
Is there anyone (e.g., faculty, peers, mentors) you’d like to recognize for their support?
Nadine was a great support all along
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