Kiana Barnes is a senior finance major interning since the Summer of 2025 as a customer relationship associate at The O’Brien Group, Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC in Putnam, Connecticut.
Her work includes supporting client meetings, preparing financial review materials, assisting with account management, and learning how investment portfolios are built and maintained. Through this experience, she has developed a strong understanding of key financial concepts like asset allocation, rebalancing, and market trends.
One of Kiana’s favorite parts of the internship has been sitting in on client meetings and seeing firsthand how advisors build long-term relationships. She also had the opportunity to contribute to a major project involving a trust portfolio strategy, helping transition investments into a more diversified approach. Experiences like these have given her valuable insight into both the technical and personal sides of financial advising.
Kiana emphasized how she has learned how the role of a financial advisor goes past the markets and numbers. She explained how her experience has reinforced her belief that finance is ultimately about understanding people and using the tools to create a meaningful and lasting impact. She is excited to continue to learn and grow with the firm once she graduates while pursuing her licensing exams.
“My advice for students starting an internship is to not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and say yes to opportunities, even when you feel unsure. You don’t need to have everything figured out, but showing up consistently, taking pride in your work, and being willing to learn will set you apart. Some of the most valuable experiences come from being open, asking questions, and fully committing to the opportunity in front of you. If you stay intentional, take initiative, and trust the process, each experience will build your confidence and shape you both professionally and personally!”
