Aicha Konte '26, a finance major and business analytics & managerial economics minor in the Barney School of Business, is doing a summer revenue requirement internship at Avangrid.
Aicha says she is applying the skills gained at UHart in this position through Excel functions like SUMIFS, VLOOKUP, and CONCATENATE that she learned in the classroom. She’s also using the financial concepts she has learned to analyze real rate case data and working independently with professional teams, saying, “UHart definitely prepared me for that.”
Aicha has always been passionate about business and understanding how companies manage money. “Growing up, I saw how financial decisions impacted people’s lives, and I wanted to learn how to use data and analysis to support smart financial strategies. My long-term goal is to become a CEO and make a difference globally.”
UHart has provided Aicha with both academic knowledge and real-world experience. She was able to work on campus, join leadership organizations, and build strong relationships with faculty who guided her along the way. The support and opportunities helped her grow in confidence and professionalism. In addition to faculty, staff, and advisors, Aisha credits the Allen Center for Career and Professional Development and the Center for Student Success for contributing to her professional growth.
She explains that Barney classes taught her technical skills like financial analysis and Excel modeling while also helping her improve soft skills such as communication, time management, and leadership. Being part of organizations like Beta Alpha Psi and receiving mentorship from professors helped her feel prepared for the corporate world.
“My professors and mentors at UHart played a big role by writing recommendations, reviewing my résumé, and helping me find internships,” Aisha says. “My involvement in campus groups also helped me build a strong support network.”
Outside of Barney, Aicha was active on campus with the African Student Union (ASU), Barney Leadership Council, and as a Career Closet student ambassador.
Aicha’s favorite thing about UHart is how supportive the faculty and staff are. One memorable experience was receiving a full-tuition scholarship through the University’s scholarship competition, saying, “It reminded me that hard work and persistence can pay off, even when things feel uncertain.”
After completing her master’s degree in 2027, Aicha plans to work in corporate finance or sales operations, ideally for a large company that offers international opportunities. She wants to gain experience in the United States, save and invest, and eventually return to West Africa to start a business that empowers others.
Aicha Konte '26, Barney School of BusinessUse all the resources available, ask questions, and never be afraid to seek help. UHart has so much to offer; the more you get involved, the more confident and prepared you’ll feel.