JMP internships allow students the ability to explore a possible future career, network with professionals in the field, and gain valuable experience they wouldn't get in the classroom. Interns are a valuable resource to JMP as well, helping us invest in our future success by discovering new talent and potential leaders.
The 'Meet the Interns' series display features these bright individuals – their work, their hobbies, and more! If you are an intern that would like to be featured, fill out this form.
Meet the Interns: Michael Lee
Manager: Juliette Plager
Michael Lee is currently a student at Palomar College, working this summer as an intern in the Inside Sales group.
Michael's manager, Juliette Plager, sees internships as a great opportunity to give back to the next generation, get fresh eyes and energy on projects, and increase the visibility of JMP.
"We’re thrilled to have Michael join us this summer as a Field Sales Intern," Plager said. "We’re all so eager to have him, that we’ve split his time in half: with the Southwest Territory on lead-gen initiatives and the full-cycle of customer meetings, and with the Premier team on white-space analyses. He’s also working on several other projects, which leverage his sales skills and interest in combination with his macroeconomic and financial research skills.
Let's learn a little more about Michael.
What made you want to intern at JMP?
JMP really stands out as a company that cares about its employees as well as the impact it has on the industry as a reputable leader. Aside from prestige and work experience, I wanted to work at a place where I could make meaningful contributions and be appreciated.
Michael at Tower Lawn in San Jose, California. He attended San Jose State University for his freshman year.Michael at Tower Lawn in San Jose, California. He attended San Jose State University for his freshman year.As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a kid, I would always tell people that I wanted to be an inventor. From my grown-up perspective, I think that meant I liked working with my hands and had a natural curiosity for how things worked.
What's something most people don't know about you?
I really enjoy music and I play a few instruments. Currently, I play guitar but in the past, I have also played clarinet, trumpet, and piano.
Of the places you've visited, what's your favorite?
Singapore has to be my favorite. I've been there a few times on vacation as well as a couple more times just passing through, but it has a sort of charm that is not in other places. It's very clean and has unique sites to see, the atmosphere overall is what makes it my favorite.
What are you most excited about this internship?
I’m most excited to learn more about sales and develop my skills in the process. I'm a naturally curious person and find that a lot of things inspire and motivate me. I hope to find things I enjoy that I didn't think I would.
What do you hope to accomplish during this internship?
I hope that my peers and coworkers find me valuable and benefit from my contributions as an intern. To make my mark and have a meaningful impact on a company as large and prestigious as JMP would make me feel satisfied with the work I put into this internship.
Michael is a huge San Diego Padres fan and loves playing and watching baseball.Michael is a huge San Diego Padres fan and loves playing and watching baseball.If you could splurge on one item and cost was no object, what would you buy?
I hardly consider myself frugal, but I rarely spend money on things I can't justify buying. Right now, if I had all the money in the world, I would buy a new baseball glove. My dad gave mine away a while ago when I stopped playing but I recently revitalized my interest in the sport. I can't justify buying one right now but If money was no issue, that's the first thing I would buy.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
"Sometimes I Feel Like My Life's a Movie: The Book” by Michael Lee
What advice would you give prospective intern applicants?
I felt a lot of stress on my first day. Feeling intimidated by the rapport of other interns and their accolades. If I could tell prospective interns or even myself yesterday anything, it would be to trust yourself and know you're here for a reason. On the plane ride here, feeling last-minute butterflies, I wrote on a piece of paper "The recruitment team's job is to find people who will excel in their position, you're here for a reason"
Connect with Michael on LinkedIn!
