Advisee Spotlight: Sergio Jesus Castillo

For students like Sergio Jesus Castillo, a first-generation college student at UMass Amherst studying finance, access to the right connections can be the difference between interest in an industry and real pathways into it. Sergio understood early on that having the right connections could go a long way in his industry of choice. Therefore when he discovered CareerSpring, he leaned into every resource—connecting with Advisors, attending events, and ultimately securing a spot in our FORWARD Internship Program.

In Summer 2024, he joined NextGen in Boston as a Data Analyst Intern through FORWARD. That early career exposure allowed him to gain real-world skills in data visualization, grow his confidence, and build his professional network. “My experience as a FORWARD intern was incredibly valuable,” Sergio shared. “I learned so much about the industry and developed key skills I could use immediately at school and in future internships.”

The impact was immediate. Soon after his FORWARD internship, Sergio earned a place in Huntington Bank’s Rise Program and began charting his path in finance. With each experience, he became more confident in his networking, interviews, and career navigation. By Summer 2025, he had secured an internship at JPMorgan Chase—where his performance led to a return offer.

Reflecting on his journey, “I am a first-generation student, and because the finance industry requires a strong network, using the Platform to connect with professionals helped me decide where I wanted to go and allowed me to make great connections.”

Sergio’s journey shows the power of partnership: when companies engage in CareerSpring’s FORWARD Program, they don’t just provide an experiential internship—they change the trajectory of a student’s career.

Learn more about FORWARD and tap into the CareerSpring Network for your talent pipelines!