From Gardner-Webb to Bloomberg: Student Lands Competitive Tech Internship

Guidance from Searight PACE Leadership Program Helped Issa Cogdell Access National Networks and Career Pathways

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—When Issa Cogdell arrived at Gardner-Webb University in 2023, he discovered a community ready to champion his goals. Friends, professors, staff members, and mentors encouraged him to grow personally and professionally. Drawing on the technical, communication, and problem‑solving skills he developed at Gardner‑Webb, the rising senior has earned a prestigious internship in New York with Bloomberg, a global leader in financial technology, data, analytics, and media.

The path to this competitive role started with his participation in the Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) Leadership Certificate Program, led by Dr. Anthony Negbenebor and program founder the Rev. Johnny Searight. They introduced him to the Management and Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) Career Prep Class of 2027, opening the door for him to apply and be selected for the MLT Tech Trek in San Francisco last summer—an experience that set the stage for the Bloomberg opportunity.

Cogdell described the MLT Tech Trek as an amazing experience. “I was able to explore the Bloomberg San Francisco office and connect with recruiters and professionals from Deloitte, BlackRock, Autodesk, TikTok and Dell,” he reflected. “It was a pleasure to meet and engage with all these companies to see the ways I could prepare, engage and improve myself professionally.”

As a member of the MLT Career Prep Class, Cogdell has access to an internship portal, which he used to apply for a position at Bloomberg. Soon after, Bloomberg recruiters reached out to him directly, encouraging him to apply for a technical support role they felt better matched his strengths. Following a virtual meeting, the company flew him to New York for a face-to-face interview and tour of the Bloomberg Lexington Avenue office. After another follow-up conversation, he received the offer.

“I felt extremely grateful to be chosen, knowing all my hard work paid off,” Codgell shared. “I was happy that I’d be going to a company with great culture like Bloomberg where philanthropy is a big part.”

Negbenebor noted that Cogdell is the first student from Gardner-Webb to receive an internship offer from Bloomberg. “I have known Issa for some time, and he is a man of impeccable character, a great Christian, and a person committed to the goals of higher education and Christian ethics,” Negbenebor stated. “He is one of our most active Searight PACE leadership students. His leadership skills, initiative, commitment and creativity are truly exceptional. He is focused on his discipline and searching for ways to impact the world around him. He loves assisting others and is an asset to GWU.”   

As an intern, Cogdell will learn to use the Bloomberg Terminal, gaining experience with industry‑leading financial data, analytics, news, and trading tools. He will also provide internal technical support and help diagnose issues related to the Terminal.

A winner of the Ignite Scholarship, Cogdell credits his Gardner-Webb journey for shaping his readiness and confidence. “The experience at Gardner-Webb has contributed to my success in many ways,” he reflected. “The first being around like-minded people, my friends, who have the same goals to succeed as me. Along with that, having professors and alumni who have helped me get into positions to succeed like Dr. Negbenebor and Reverend Searight, who introduced me to MLT, which has brought me amazing connections and lifelong friends.”

Through his coursework, Cogdell said the faculty and hands‑on learning strengthened his technical foundation. Assistant Professor Oscar Gonzalez and Professor Dr. Mirek Mystkowski helped him understand core concepts in mathematics, computer science and cybersecurity.

His campus work experience also played a key role. Cogdell shared that working in the Gardner-Webb IT department gave him practical, real‑world skills. He expressed appreciation for the staff who supervised and trained him, noting that the helpdesk coordinator, Diancil Chavez, network technician, Chanae Pickett, and Associate Vice President of Information Technology & Chief Information Officer Ray Curtis offered mentorship and opportunities to build confidence in diagnosing and solving technology issues.

Looking ahead, Cogdell is eager to represent Gardner-Webb on a national stage and bring his experiences back to campus.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at gardner-webb.edu.