Andres Hernandez, a standout student-athlete at La Salle University, has proven that a little bit of flexibility and determination can lead to incredible opportunities. The finance major, class of 2025, never expected his journey to land him in New York City, but thanks to a unique internship opportunity with NASDAQ, he found himself not only working with the global finance giant but also seeing his name on the digital billboard in Times Square during NASDAQ’s “Intern Week.”
From Spain to New Zealand to La Salle
Born in Santander, Spain, and raised in Christchurch, New Zealand, Hernandez’s journey to La Salle University is a tale of adaptability and seizing unexpected opportunities. His family’s move from Spain to New Zealand was a pivotal moment, where Hernandez discovered a love for sports, excelling in both soccer and cross-country. His talent in sports, combined with his academic prowess, set the stage for his future at La Salle.
Hernandez originally had plans to attend the University of Miami, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, those plans were abruptly disrupted. Instead, he followed his friend, Taonga Mbambo, who later qualified for the NCAA Championships in cross-country and track & field, to La Salle University. Once he arrived, Hernandez quickly found a home in the La Salle community and thrived academically, achieving near-perfect grades and earning a spot on the Dean’s List every semester.
The NASDAQ Opportunity
Hernandez’s path to NASDAQ began unexpectedly during a visit to the NASDAQ Philadelphia office, thanks to an invitation from Kevin Kennedy, ‘87, Executive Vice President of North American Markets at NASDAQ and a La Salle graduate. During this visit, Hernandez found himself captivated by the possibilities in the finance world and immediately connected with Kennedy via LinkedIn, seeking to learn more about the company.
This initiative eventually led to an internship interview, where Hernandez’s preparation through La Salle’s business school, coupled with his confidence, helped him secure the position. However, his journey wasn’t without its hurdles. As an international student, Hernandez faced an issue with his temporary phone plan, which expired the same day NASDAQ called to confirm his internship. The company’s attempt to reach him was unsuccessful, but Hernandez, not willing to miss this opportunity, quickly responded via email and provided a friend’s phone number.
This resourcefulness paid off, as Hernandez confirmed his spot for the summer internship, kicking off what would become a career-defining experience.
Building and Excelling at NASDAQ
Once at NASDAQ, Hernandez was given the autonomy to choose how he wanted to spend his internship. Deciding to put his skills into practice, he took on the challenge of building a database program to filter out client emails that had bounced and analyze the reasons behind the returns. The project allowed him to showcase both his technical abilities and his problem-solving skills, impressing his supervisors along the way.
Over the course of three months, Hernandez worked tirelessly on this project, which resulted in glowing reviews from his managers. His performance highlighted his ability to apply both his academic knowledge and his personal initiative to real-world situations.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Moment: NASDAQ Intern Week
The culmination of Hernandez’s NASDAQ internship experience came during the company’s “Intern Week,” where, to his amazement, his headshot appeared on the NASDAQ digital billboard in Times Square. This incredible milestone left his friends and family in disbelief, with Hernandez humbly reflecting, “Not bad for a guy from a small island in the middle of nowhere.”
For Hernandez, this moment was not just about the recognition but also about the journey that led him there—from his early days in Spain and New Zealand to his arrival at La Salle and now his impactful internship at NASDAQ. His story is a testament to how unexpected opportunities, when seized with determination and preparation, can open doors to incredible experiences and growth.
Andres Hernandez’s internship at NASDAQ is a powerful reminder of the impact of hard work, adaptability, and perseverance. As a student-athlete, he has not only excelled academically and athletically but has also carved out an impressive career path in the finance world. With his drive and continued success, the future looks incredibly bright for Hernandez, and this internship is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career.
