Legacy & Connections: Reflections from the 2024 Wells Scholarship Recipient

I am honored to have been the first David Wells Scholarship recipient.

I did not know David, but he has been a source of inspiration since first learning about his legacy over the last [6] months. And, though I never had the opportunity to work with him directly, it is clear that his impact on the Firm and its team is still ever-present.

Prior to my experience this summer, I had not known Prosek either.

I was steering myself towards a more traditional financial services role—in all honesty, communications was not where I had initially thought I would land this summer. I’ve been fortunate to experience several different fields through various internship programs, from two major Senate campaigns to non-profit organizations and a luxury glove retailer, but I did not find the connection I was looking for, and it became clear that I needed something different; something where I could feel challenged but creative, and something that was going to allow me to grow as an individual—perhaps that was finance, which had always been of interest to me.

Throughout my search, the way Prosek spoke about itself stood out as totally distinct from anything else I had seen. There is a clear emphasis on entrepreneurship and owner’s mindsets that resonates throughout the Firm, which I would later come to find out stems from Managing Partner Jennifer Prosek’s “Army of Entrepreneurs” vision—I had never seen any workplace encourage this on the individual level. And each person I met over the course of my experience would embody this mindset with a unique sense of creativity, while making clear their commitments to the Firm and each of their colleagues. I felt a real sense of excitement, and I knew this was an organization that I wanted to be a part of.

Everyone I met on my journey to Prosek made me feel more confident than the last that Prosek was where I wanted to be. Months later in the Firm’s New York office, I would develop personal and professional connections with those same individuals that will long outlast my 8-week internship.

I played Division I soccer at American University in D.C. for two years before developing a serious back injury, after which I transferred to Texas Christian University—David’s Alma Mater—where I now study political science and economics. This multicurricular background set me up to be enticed by the opportunity to be both creative and strategic, and Prosek’s unique financial focus and deep industry expertise provided an ideal sync.

During this experience, I had an opportunity to learn about David Wells from those who knew him best—both professionally and as a human being. David was accomplished before, during, and after his time at the Firm, but it is the way that people spoke of David’s character that has made the most lasting impression. Everyone who he worked with, from the most junior to the most senior people, talk about how they felt valued and important to him every day because of the visible and genuine efforts he put into making sure they felt that way—his relationships were intentional and genuine.

David’s legacy is alive and well at Prosek, and many of the characteristics that defined David’s presence are embodied by everyone at the Firm. Every partner and leader I met with over the course of my experience was accomplished yet humble, wise, and motivating. I walked away from this summer with invaluable advice that I am certain I would not have received anywhere else, and those interactions with the Firm’s senior leaders that once seemed intimidating quickly became highlights. There is a deep sense of respect across the Firm, and Prosek people love what they do, where they work, and who they work with. And, just as David went out of his way to make sure people at all levels felt seen and important, it was clear at Prosek that regardless of level, everyone at the firm is genuinely valued. To feel part of this, especially as a young professional, is rare.

Everyone I talked to spoke of how David’s impact on that culture is real and lasting as they recounted memorable moments. The most admirable to me was how he spent his last weeks at the firm making time to get coffee with every single person he worked with. He did not have to do that, but this act demonstrated just how much he cared about people as individuals. This spirit of connection is still alive and well across the firm.

My internship experience provided me with professional experience and education, enabling me to learn, grow, and gain tangible skills, and I credit much of this growth to the commitment in my successes from everyone I worked with. My manager was an advocate for me and my development, providing support and helping me tailor my experience to gain skills and get the unique experiences I was seeking across both account and non-account work. I’ve also been fortunate to learn more about industries and financial sectors that I had not previously had close experience with—from private equity to investment banking and more. This knowledge and focused mentorship provided me with a platform that I know will set me up for professional success.

Being the first David Wells Scholar is about more than an internship. It is an honor to represent someone who was so loved and respected. The chance to work with mentors and industry-leaders to serve clients at the forefront of their respective businesses has been extremely exciting and rewarding, as has the chance to work with people who care so much about what they do and who they do it with.

I cannot express enough gratitude to have been part of the Firm this summer, and I look forward to continue being part of its mission. Prosek is a special place, and it has been an honor to be part of this Firm as this year’s David Wells Scholarship recipient.

About The Wells Scholarship

The Wells Scholarship honors the legacy of David Wells, a former Prosek partner and dear friend of so many. David was a supreme talent and superb communicator. His ability to write about complex and fast-moving events, tell compelling and powerful stories, and to counsel executives and colleagues alike with wisdom and empathy was unparalleled.

David possessed a sharp mind and outstanding charm. Perhaps more importantly, however, he paired these talents with an unwavering moral compass. He was a true gentleman who carried himself with grace and joy.

The scholarship is awarded to an outstanding undergraduate student majoring in communications, journalism, or related fields ahead of their senior year. The recipient will be selected for a full-time internship program with Prosek Partners from June through August and awarded a stipend for housing and relocation. The program will offer the recipient unique opportunities to meet with Prosek partners and build relationships with leaders across the financial communications industry.