It’s reasonable to assume that an internship at a company called Embark Veterinary might appeal mostly to would-be veterinarians. But for Jason Healy ’22, the position has provided him the opportunity to dive headfirst into the financial and logistical aspects of running a business.
Major: Economics
Hometown: Lexington, Mass.
High School: Lexington High School
Embark is a “venture-backed Boston startup that specializes in DNA testing for dogs in order to identify traits, breed, and health abnormalities,” Healy explained. His position is as a financial planning and analysis intern — a role, he said, that allows him to “pursue my interest in finance while also working toward the greater goal that Embark preaches; that is, extending the lives of dogs, which is something that everybody can get behind.”
Healy’s day-to-day responsibilities included updating company models with sales from the previous day, in addition to meeting with his boss, Embark’s senior financial analyst, to discuss upcoming projects and ask questions. Later in the day, Healy said he might focus on other projects or attend meetings with Embark higher-ups, where inventory might be discussed and his own work employed to inform company decisions.
“The bread and butter of what I do,” Healy said, “is try to bring data together in the way that I believe will be most effective for fueling business decisions.” One of his recent projects involved creating an inventory model that will allow the company to have enough stock come the holiday season when sales rise significantly. “I was tasked with creating a model that projects out inventory levels, so on a weekly basis we could ensure we were on track and build new kits when necessary,” he said.
It’s so important to be able to converse, present your work, write, and email,” he said. “As simple as it sounds, it goes a long way — and these skills are built into nearly every course at Hamilton.
Healy stressed the importance of networking in the internship-finding process. While initially looking for a position in the banking industry, he ended up on the path to Embark through a connection he had at the company.
The experience of working at Embark has been overwhelmingly positive for Healy. “I feel valued and as if the work I am doing is contributing to major decisions. … I have had the ability to work with and gain exposure to many aspects of the business by working with experienced professionals,” he said. Going forward, Healy is not entirely certain about his post-graduation plans, but he nonetheless appreciates the important finance skills he has gained at Embark.
Reflecting on how his time at Hamilton has proven valuable at his internship, Healy highlighted the overall experience of his college education rather than a particular course. “It’s so important to be able to converse, present your work, write, and email,” he said. “As simple as it sounds, it goes a long way — and these skills are built into nearly every course at Hamilton.”
