For Briana Russell, the journey to Ally Financial’s prestigious Auto DRIVE program began in her junior year, when she first met Ally representatives during a round table classroom discussion. She reconnected with them at the Spring Career Fair and later at a campus sporting event.
Those important interactions led to a phone call from Luke Frawley, who encouraged her to apply for an internship that she ultimately received. During the following summer, Russell interned with Ally on the consumer underwriting team. In this role, she negotiated deals over the phone, reviewed loan applications, and completed an independent research project, which she presented to the company leadership at the end of the program.
“My experience with Ally Financial showed me what it looks like when a company truly invests in developing its people,” Russell said. “During my internship, I was trusted with meaningful work and surrounded by leaders who were committed to helping me grow.”
After completing the internship, Russell remained connected with the company, returning to campus career fairs to represent Ally and introduce the company to other Duquesne students.
Her dedication and performance ultimately led to her selection for Auto DRIVE, a highly competitive rotational program designed to develop future leaders in the auto finance industry. The program allows participants to gain experience across three critical areas of the business within two years, accelerating their development while building deep industry knowledge.
For Russell, the opportunity represents both a professional challenge and a launching
point for an exciting career. “Being selected for the Auto DRIVE rotational program is an incredible opportunity,
and I’m excited to continue learning from and contributing to a company that values
innovation,
community, and long-term development,” shared Russell.
Following graduation, Russell will relocate to Georgia, where she will begin the program at Ally’s Lawrenceville office, just north of Atlanta.
Russell credits the School for this exciting career development, sharing, “The School of Business gave me the exposure as a student to network with business professionals. From guest speakers in class to the career fair to networking events, I had casual yet impactful conversations with Ally’s employees, building a stronger relationship with each encounter.”
Her journey from classroom discussions to internship opportunities and now a national leadership program illustrates how corporate relationships can transform potential into opportunity. It’s a powerful example of the Business of Difference Making® in action, where collaborations with companies like Ally create real pathways for student success.
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