Paulson Puerto Rico has successfully concluded the fourth edition of its Internship Program, reaffirming the company’s commitment to developing future leaders through meaningful, hands-on experiences that create value for both participants and the organization.
This summer, seven university students from Puerto Rico and the United States, representing disciplines including hospitality, finance, engineering, and marketing, immersed themselves in the company’s diverse portfolio while working on one of the program’s most significant projects to date: measuring the economic impact of Paulson Puerto Rico’s operations and investments during 2024 and 2025.
Under the leadership of Nelson Colón, Chief Financial Officer of Paulson Puerto Rico, and with the support of the company’s corporate leadership team, the interns collaborated with Estudios Técnicos to develop a comprehensive economic impact study. Throughout the project, they received guidance on the study’s methodology, analytical framework, and validation process, gaining firsthand experience with the same rigorous standards used in professional economic impact assessments.
“Our goal has always been to provide much more than a summer internship. We want students to tackle real business challenges and contribute to projects that create meaningful value for the organization. This year, they had the opportunity to develop an analysis that demonstrates, through data, the impact a company like Paulson Puerto Rico has on Puerto Rico’s economy. That combination of practical learning and strategic thinking is the essence of our Internship Program,” said Nelson Colón, Chief Financial Officer.
The study concluded that Paulson Puerto Rico’s operations and investments generated a total economic impact of $2.2 billion while supporting more than 13,000 jobs across Puerto Rico, underscoring the company’s contribution to the Island’s economic development through its business operations, capital investments, supplier relationships, and the broader economic activity generated across multiple industries.
For the first time, the analysis consolidated the economic impact of Paulson Puerto Rico’s portfolio during 2024 and 2025, including The Condado Collection—comprising Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, La Concha Resort, and Condado Ocean Club—along with Four Seasons Resort Puerto Rico, Four Seasons Private Residences, Vanderbilt Residences, American International Plaza, 270 Plaza, and the automotive operations of Gómez Hermanos. Together, these businesses provide a comprehensive view of the company’s role in driving economic growth throughout Puerto Rico.
According to Co-Chief Executive Officers Rolando Padua and Rafael Cedeño Paulson, the findings reinforce the value of long-term investment and the importance of preparing the next generation of leaders to understand how businesses contribute to economic development.
“This study confirms that our investments extend far beyond the projects themselves. They generate economic activity, support thousands of jobs, and contribute to Puerto Rico’s sustainable growth. That impact is the result of a long-term vision and an ongoing commitment to the Island.”
“Our Internship Program reflects that same philosophy. Since its inception, we have challenged students to work on strategic initiatives with real organizational impact, collaborating with our executives and business partners on projects that generate knowledge and create value. Exposing them to this type of analysis allows them to understand the multiplier effect of our investments, operations, and business activities while strengthening their professional skills, broadening their business perspective, and inspiring them to become leaders committed to Puerto Rico’s future.”
Now in its fourth year, the Paulson Puerto Rico Internship Program has become a cornerstone of the company’s talent development strategy, connecting academia with the private sector through projects that address real business challenges.
The program’s continued success is made possible through the dedication of Paulson Puerto Rico’s leadership team, including María Ligia Giraldéz, Chief Legal Counsel; Marian Juliette Medina, Chief Communications Officer; Luis Brigantti, Corporate Director of Security & Operations; María Victoria Muñoz, Legal Operations Manager; Jean Philippe Beauchamp, Senior Financial Analyst; and María Ayala, Senior Accounting & Internal Controls Manager, whose mentorship helps provide students with an exceptional professional learning experience.
By combining mentorship, strategic thinking, and meaningful business challenges, the Internship Program continues to prepare future professionals while reinforcing Paulson Puerto Rico’s long-term commitment to creating economic opportunity and lasting value for Puerto Rico.
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