Analysis developed by university students
Paulson Puerto Rico concluded the fourth edition of its Summer Internship Program with the release of a comprehensive economic impact study revealing that the company generated $1.3 billion in operational economic activity and supported more than 13,000 jobs during the 2024–2025 period.
When accounting for the impact of its investments, the study places Paulson Puerto Rico’s total economic contribution at $2.2 billion, underscoring the scale of its diversified footprint across the island.
The analysis was developed by six university students who spent the summer embedded within Paulson Puerto Rico’s corporate operations. Under the direction of Estudios Técnicos, which led the methodological design, modeling and validation, the cohort worked alongside executives to quantify the effect of the company’s activities across its principal business lines.
“This program is designed to give students real challenges and meaningful assignments,” said Nelson Colón, Chief Financial Officer of Paulson Puerto Rico, who oversaw the project with support from the corporate leadership team. “This year’s cohort produced an analysis that demonstrates, with data, the magnitude of 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.”
The study evaluated the economic impact of Paulson Puerto Rico’s core portfolios, including Hospitality, Residential Developments, Resort, Office Properties, Parking Assets and the Auto Portfolio. Residential developments included Harbour Lakes in Palmas del Mar, Vanderbilt Residences and Ocean Drive Residences. The hospitality portfolio encompassed the St. Regis Bahia Beach—now Four Seasons Resort and Residences—and The Condado Collection, which comprises the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, La Concha Resort, Casino del Mar and Condado Ocean Club.
For the first time, the analysis consolidated the operational and investment impact of the company’s major assets, resulting in a breakdown of $1.334 billion in operational impact and $966.17 million in investment impact, for a combined $2.2 billion total.
Co‑Chief Executive Officers Rolando Padua and Rafael Cedeño Paulson said the findings validate the strength of a diversified investment strategy and highlight the importance of continued long‑term investment in Puerto Rico’s economic development.
“This study confirms that our investments go beyond project development; they generate economic activity, support thousands of jobs and contribute to Puerto Rico’s sustainable growth,” they said. “Our Internship Program reflects that same philosophy. Exposing students to analyses like this helps them understand the multiplier effect of our operations while strengthening their skills and inspiring them to become professionals committed to generating positive impact.”
With four editions completed—and with the support of executives including Chief Legal Counsel María Ligia Giraldéz, Chief Communications Officer Marian Juliette Medina, Corporate Director of Security & Operations Luis Brigantti, Legal Operations Manager María Victoria Muñoz, Senior Financial Analyst Jean Philippe Beauchamp and Senior Accounting & Internal Controls Manager María Ayala—the program has solidified itself as a bridge between academia and the private sector. It offers students hands‑on experience with high‑impact strategic projects that enhance their professional development while contributing to Puerto Rico’s broader economic growth.
