Student Spotlight: Angel Runkel on Business Economics Major and Internship
By Dr. Deniz Gevrek, Fall 2024
Angel Runkel
Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Economics
Commercial & Business Development Intern at Port of Corpus Christi
What are some of your responsibilities as a Commercial & Business Development intern at Port of Corpus Christi?
Conducting market studies, gathering market intel, analyzing revenues, and providing data visualization. Our department's main purposes relate to growing the port itself and growing the port's business. This means that we need to understand our global markets, trade patterns, customers' needs, and trends leading into the future. We are not just the Energy Port of the Americas- we are the third largest port in the entire US by tonnage, growing every day and looking to diversify our commodities even further. The commercial & business development department works to help PCCA achieve accomplishments such as these through consistently opening doors for new commodities and new trading partners to operate through our channel.
Is your internship remote?
No.
How did you find this internship? How long did it take to find?
It was recommended to me by a few people. So, I subscribed to PCCA (Port of Corpus Christi Authority) post notifications on Handshake and applied as soon as that semester's openings were posted. PCCA internships are typically posted 2-4 months before the internship semester starts.
Do you have any advice for students looking to find an internship?
Internships are real jobs when you are working with a good company! So, you should be prepared to give your best, learn ardently, and be professional.
What job do you hope to get when you graduate?
I look forward to working in some capacity of development or optimization. I love to see growth and deeply enjoy the analysis and problem-solving behind it.
Why did you choose to major in Business Economics?
After taking my business core classes, I immediately recognized that my economics classes had been my favorites by far. I was deeply intrigued at the many layers and sub-fields of economics, the many ways a person could utilize its information, techniques, and theories, as well as the limitless career options for an economics graduate. I knew that a journey in econ would mean a dynamic, exciting future.
What has been your favorite Economics class so far?
Money and banking!!!
Why did you choose TAMU-CC?
Keeping up the Islander family tradition was my first choice. Along with that, growing up just 20 minutes from the university provided me ongoing access to my wonderful family's support and comfort. I would not have been able to pursue many of my accomplishments without them.