Designing Pathways for Success: Mikaela Montemayor’s Internship at Ascent Funding
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Ascent Funding is a San Diego-based company committed to a powerful idea: increasing access to higher education through financial tools that empower students to succeed. Realizing such an important mission requires a company culture rooted in trust, collaboration, and innovation. That is exactly the type of culture Emily Skoubo, Ascent’s Senior Human Resources Manager, has helped build over her nine years with the company. Emily’s leadership—and Ascent’s purpose-driven focus—made them an ideal partner for our inaugural Social Innovation Internship cohort.
This past semester, Mikaela Montemayor, a second-year Economics major at the University of San Diego, joined Ascent to support their workforce development efforts. Her internship focused on designing and refining onboarding programs for new hires—real-world projects that aligned directly with Ascent’s mission to help students thrive, not just financially but professionally.
Mikaela’s opportunity with Ascent illustrates what becomes possible when students are empowered to connect what they’re learning in the classroom with hands-on experience in San Diego’s purpose-driven economy. Through the Social Innovation Internship—organized in partnership with Conscious Capitalism San Diego and supported by a generous grant from the Prebys Foundation—we’re cultivating leaders who understand how business, access, and innovation intersect. It’s a powerful expression of USD’s commitment to Cultivate Innovation to Serve Humanity, a cornerstone of our Strategic Vision: Lighting the Way Forward.
Motivation & Background
Q: What inspired you to apply for the University of San Diego’s Social Innovation Internship, and how does it support your personal and professional aspirations?
I was inspired to apply for USD’s Social Innovation Internship because I have a strong passion for addressing pressing social challenges and creating positive change through business. I believe that business and social justice are not mutually exclusive but can work together in prioritizing both profit and purpose, and the companies in this program prove it. I have always been passionate about higher education and the many opportunities it brings to young people, and Ascent Funding is committed to expanding access to education by providing student loans and financial resources tailored to underserved communities, ensuring that higher education is more accessible and equitable to all. This internship aligns with my aspirations by providing hands-on experience in the Financial Services Industry, collaboration with like-minded individuals, mentorship from industry professionals, and the application of practical skills in a real-life setting.
Q: What motivated Ascent Funding to participate in the Social Innovation Internship, and how does this partnership align with your mission of expanding access to education?
Ascent’s participation in the Social Innovation Internship reflects our commitment to expanding access to education and promoting economic mobility by breaking down financial barriers for students. We are dedicated to empowering learners from diverse backgrounds with innovative financial solutions that drive real, measurable success, perfectly aligning with the goals of this internship program.
Inside the Internship: Workforce Development & Financial Innovation
Q: What does a typical week as a Social Innovation intern at Ascent Funding look like? What have been your main responsibilities?
A typical week as a Social Innovation intern at Ascent Funding includes a blend of remote and in-person work, offering flexibility and hands-on collaboration at the same time. My main responsibilities include working closely with the Human Resources department to design training programs for new hires as well as collaborating with organizational leaders from different departments to analyze and implement their feedback. The hybrid structure of the internship enables me to participate in team meetings and collaborate with colleagues while also maintaining flexibility in my schedule as a college student. Working in person at Ascent’s headquarters provides me with valuable firsthand experience of the company’s office culture, allowing me to observe team dynamics and gain a deeper understanding of how the organization fosters a supportive and engaging work environment.
Q: How has (student name) contributed to Ascent Funding’s initiatives to improve financial education and workforce development for students?
Mikaela has played a hands-on role in gathering information and developing training modules to help new hires integrate seamlessly into Ascent, setting them up for success with a deeper understanding of the company and their department. We are committed to equipping our employees with the necessary training to thrive, and Mikaela’s keen eye for creating engaging content has brought valuable insights into setting up recent graduates that are entering the workforce for success.
Q: Your internship focused on developing training programs for new hires at Ascent Funding. What did you learn about onboarding, professional development, and company culture?
Through developing training programs for new hires, I learned that a well-structured onboarding process sets the foundation for long-term engagement and productivity in each department. Effective onboarding goes beyond simply introducing company policies—it should immerse employees in the organization’s mission, values, and expectations while equipping them with the tools and resources necessary to succeed. Having the opportunity to work alongside professionals from different departments within the company—by collaborating and receiving feedback from them—provided me with insight into the collaborative nature of Ascent Funding’s employees and its incredibly welcoming environment. Ascent fosters a purpose-driven culture, investing in employee well-being and creating a workplace where individuals feel valued and empowered.
Q: How do young professionals bring fresh ideas to workforce training and student success initiatives?
It has been inspiring to see fresh ideas and creativity flourish during her time here. Her ability to approach the content with a fresh perspective, without prior industry experience, has led to valuable improvements. Additionally, she has helped us leverage AI to enhance training modules with voice integration, making them more engaging and effective.
Challenges, Growth, and Unexpected Lessons
Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the internship, and how did you navigate it?
One of the biggest challenges I faced during my internship was designing training programs that effectively catered to the diverse needs of new employees—specifically, finding the right balance between making the programs interactive and engaging while ensuring all essential information was delivered. To overcome this, I sought mentorship from team members with experience in employee training and engagement. Their insights provided me with fresh perspectives and creative ideas, allowing me to develop training materials that were both informative and engaging for new hires. This experience strengthened my problem-solving skills and deepened my appreciation for how intentional onboarding can enhance company culture and employee satisfaction.
Q: What surprised you most about working with (student name)?
I’ve been incredibly impressed with how quickly Mikaela has mastered our tools, built connections with employees, and seamlessly integrated into the team!
The Future of Social Innovation Work
Q: How has this experience shaped your perspective on career paths in workforce development, financial services, or education innovation?
Working at Ascent Funding broadened my perspective on the impact that workforce development, financial services, and education innovation can have on individuals and communities—these fields intersect to create opportunities for professional growth, financial empowerment, and accessible education. Working on onboarding and training programs allowed me to recognize how investing in employee development not only benefits individuals but also strengthens overall company culture and productivity. Similarly, gaining exposure to the financial services sector highlighted the role of responsible lending in gaining access to education. This experience has inspired me to continue exploring career paths that integrate business strategy with social impact.
Q: How do university-industry partnerships like this help develop the next generation of leaders in financial accessibility and student success?
University-industry partnerships help develop the next generation of leaders in financial accessibility and student success by offering students hands-on experience and insights into challenges in the workforce. These collaborations give students a better understanding of potential career opportunities while building confidence in their ability to address financial barriers to education. Through mentorship and networking with industry professionals, students are empowered to become future leaders in creating equitable solutions and improving student outcomes.
Q: What advice would you give to future Social Innovation interns looking to make an impact in education and workforce development?
My advice to future Social Innovation interns is to stay curious, proactive, and solution-focused. Understand the challenges students face in education and workforce development, and think creatively about addressing them. Take initiative, build strong relationships with mentors, and stay open to learning.
Written by Andrew Biros, EdD
Senior Director, Center for Social Innovation
Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost
University of San Diego
Acknowledgments
This article is part of the University of San Diego’s Social Innovation Internship, a campus-wide, interdisciplinary program led by the Center for Social Innovation and the Career Development Center. The program is organized in partnership with Conscious Capitalism San Diego and generously supported through a grant from the Prebys Foundation.
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