BU Seniors Explore Careers in Wealth Management at Laird Norton Wetherby
Two scholars from the Bay Area spent the summer gaining professional experience at Laird Norton Wetherby, a wealth management and trust firm serving clients with complex financial needs. Ashley Chan and Songia Goodwin, seniors at Boston University, completed internships that offered hands-on exposure to the financial services industry.
The opportunity was made possible through Laird Norton Wetherby’s partnership with Posse Bay Area, a collaboration supported in part by advisory board member Laura Pantaleo. Through the internship program, the scholars connected with mentors across departments and contributed to projects designed to strengthen both technical and professional skills.
Ashley, a business administration major with a minor in public health, pursued the internship to better understand how organizations manage revenue, investment strategies and long-term financial planning.
As a wealth management intern, Ashley worked on projects that included writing an investment briefing examining reshoring and offshoring trends, auditing account data and contributing to initiatives focused on impact investing. She also explored other areas of the firm, including trust administration, business development and operations.
“Everyone was open and willing to help,” Ashley says. “People across the firm encouraged me to ask questions, learn about different teams and really take initiative.”
In addition to project work, she participated in informal conversations with analysts and managers throughout the firm. She said those discussions provided new perspectives on career pathways within financial services.
“I’m excited to keep exploring who I am and what I want to do,” Ashley says. “There are so many things I want to experience, and I’m grateful for the people I get to share that journey with.”
Songia, who is double majoring in business administration and business management, served as a client service intern during the program. Her role provided exposure to multiple areas of the firm, including operations, marketing, investments, impact investing and trust services.
Her work focused on improving processes, organizing and analyzing data and identifying ways to increase operational efficiency. She also participated in simulations of client service initiatives designed to provide practical experience across several business functions.
“What stood out to me most was how intentional everyone was about our experience,” Songia says. “They aligned projects with our interests and encouraged us to explore different parts of the firm.”
One of Songia’s projects included writing an article for the firm’s website exploring the role of purpose and storytelling in financial planning. She said the experience helped her better understand how financial services professionals connect with clients and their long-term goals.
After graduating from Boston University, Songia plans to return to Laird Norton Wetherby in a full-time role. She said she hopes to apply the skills she developed during the internship while contributing to efforts that expand access to financial knowledge and resources.
“I’m excited to turn what I’ve learned into meaningful work and continue growing in the field,” Songia says.
“Partnerships with career organizations such as Laird Norton Wetherby are an important part of the Posse model, connecting scholars with professional networks, mentorship and early career opportunities,” says Bay Area Director Anthony Sokenu.
Through internships and career partnerships, Posse scholars gain experience that helps prepare them for leadership roles across industries while strengthening connections between employers and the next generation of diverse talent.