One of the best parts of being a Northeastern student is the co-op program, and this past December I wrapped up my second one, as a Communications Associate at Fidelity Investments, specifically within their startup incubator unit, Fidelity Labs. The experience introduced me to a lot of exciting things: go-to-market strategies, large-scale networking events, the inner workings of a major financial institution and the incredibly talented people who work there.
My role was multifaceted, writing native LinkedIn posts, building slide decks, coordinating events and managing both internal and external communications. Being embedded in a startup incubator meant I got to watch businesses at completely different stages of development, from mature, in-market companies to brand-new ideas still working through their go-to-market plan. It grew my understanding of the startup world in a way that felt tangible and real.
The highlight of the whole co-op was Fidelity Labs' Demo Day and 20th Anniversary Celebration. I wrote about the event itself here, but this is the behind-the-scenes version. My team had been preparing since I joined in July, so it was the biggest project I got to be a part of. We collaborated with all of our portfolio businesses and Fidelity internal partners to pull both events together. I helped build presentation decks, order swag, create informational one-pagers and coordinate an online challenge open to all attendees. Being on the team that made it happen was something I won't forget.
This co-op confirmed what I had already started to feel, that communications and event work is where I want to be. I'm grateful for everything Fidelity Labs showed me, and I can't wait to bring it into whatever comes next.