Internship Success Stories
According to Fox Business, 2011, internships are touted as the best way for college students to get their feet wet in the labor market. Many of our UIU Peacocks have benefited well from their internship experience and are here to share them with you.
Name: Ho, Jun Shen
Major: Double Major in Marketing and Finance
Graduation: May 2012
What internship did you have?
I had a marketing internship with ARAMARK (dining services) on UIU's Fayette campus.
Why did you seek out an internship?
First, it's a requirement for my marketing major. Second, I view it as an opportunity to gain some real-life working experience before heading out to the working world.
Why did you choose this internship? What did you hope to gain?
I chose this internship because of my interest in marketing retail products and dining. I am often fascinated by food advertisements on television, the press, and other media. I hope to obtain some first-hand experience in developing marketing content which appeal to the target market. In addition, I also hope to learn how strategies are implemented in a marketing campaign.
What did you actually learn from this internship? What do you feel you have gained?
I managed to learn all the things I wanted to learn. I learned to create advertisement materials such as flyers and newspaper ads. I saw how marketing strategies such as promotion, discounts, word of mouth, and sampling being put into actual use. Along the way, I managed to pick up a few important skills, such as fostering good relationship with co-workers and customers, learning new software, and even cooking! To sum it up, this internship has been a really productive one and I enjoyed it.
What was the result of this internship?
The 150 hour internship was successfully completed. I was awarded 4 out of 5 for my internship evaluation by my supervisor. I was suggested to further improve my communication skills and have been working on it since then. The input from my supervisor was really beneficial as she helped identify a crucial weakness that I can improve on before heading out to the workplace.
After graduation goal?
This internship further my interests in advertising and I am very determined to land a job in the advertising industry to gain more knowledge and hopefully someday land a job in a big advertising company such as Ogilvy and Mather; or Leo Burnett.
What would you say to someone thinking of doing an internship in a field they are not sure of? Should I bother?
I would say 'Go Ahead!' Doing an internship in a different field from your choice won't hurt you at all. In fact, it's an opportunity to widen your horizons to look at new possibilities and learn something that you do not know. You might pick up something valuable, whether it is a skill or a new network. In the event, if you discover that this is not the right field for you, you can avoid a costly mistake in the future.
To all future interns, internship can be a very fun and enjoyable experience as you will be learning many new things. I hope it will be a fun process for you just as it had for me and my friends. Good luck to all of you!
Name: Yap, Eunice Lay Keat
Major: Marketing, Psychology
Graduation: May 2012
What internship did you have?
Marketing and Communications Assistant
Office of International Programs, Upper Iowa University
Why did you seek out an internship?
Apart from fulfilling the requirement for my major, the ultimate goal of this internship was to gain realistic and quality work experience beyond business and supporting course work in order to add breadth and depth to my knowledge, skills, and abilities. Put another way, I would like to acquire knowledge that is not being taught in classes while trying to apply as many theories that has been learned in class into the workplace through the internship.
Why did you choose this internship?
What did you hope to gain? Gaining an internship opportunity is always a challenge for international students. I'm glad to have the opportunity in serving the Office of International Programs where my ideas and suggestions were heard and accepted. The development of confidence and self-esteem at work further led to my enthusiasm and energy at work while acquiring the necessary leadership qualities.
What did you actually learn from this internship?
What do you feel you have gained? Throughout the internship, I was given the responsibility to conduct a research on the level of satisfaction among on-campus international students. Apart from that, I learned a lot about the international admission process by helping the Coordinator of International Enrollment, which had transformed my previous apprehension on the admission process. Other tasks accomplished throughout the internship would be putting together information and creating promotional materials or newsletters.
What was the result of this internship?
The internship has allowed me to experience the process of a university implementing various recruitment strategies that go beyond marketing, in a competitive market that has more than 4000 higher education institutions. Furthermore, I was able to apply many of the marketing knowledge learned in classes, especially the skills of conducting research and designing marketing materials. Finally, the internship had instilled in me the professionalism at work by communicating with people from different offices.
After graduation goal?
Being an advocate of lifelong learning, I always believe that knowledge is the most valuable asset one can ever have. Upon graduation, I would allow myself a year's time to gain some experience in the corporate field before I pursue my master's degree.
What would you say to someone thinking of doing an internship in a field they are not sure of? Should I bother?
I would strongly encourage any students who are looking for an internship site to consider the Office of International Programs. Apart from creating a strong portfolio, I'm sure they will enjoy working with the staff in International Programs.
Name: Alan Martinez
Major: Marketing, Graphic Design
Minor: Communications
Graduation: December 2012
What internship did you have?
I completed two different internships. The first was a Marketing & Graphic Design internship at Victories Restaurant and Sports Lounge (Fayette, Iowa). The second one was a Marketing & Graphic Design at Ogilvy Venezuela (Caracas, Venezuela)
Why did you seek out an internship?
The Internship at Victories was a requirement for my Major. However, I engaged in the second one by choice. The purpose was to acquire field experience where I always wanted to work - at an Advertising agency.
Why did you choose this internship? What did you hope to gain?
The reason why I was excited for my first internship was because the job description required me to use both, marketing and graphic design skills. For the most part, what I sought for the most was field experience. I wanted to take everything I knew into actual work and not only tests and assignments.
What did you actually learn from this internship? What do you feel you have gained?
I learned what I've been hearing since I was a kid: "deal with the client". In this opportunity, my managers were pretty flexible with everything, which made me feel comfortable. However, I learned that there are times that, as a designer, people want to do what they have in mind instead of what the client wants; the key is to just to do what they want. As professor McComb said all the time "never fall in love too much with your designs".
What was the result of this internship?
The most important result to me was that it allowed me to see that what I was doing was something that I am truly passionate about. For the most part, internships are unpaid; meaning, if you are willing to go back every day and work for free because you are doing something you like, you just found the career that you will always be satisfied with.
After graduation goal?
My after graduation main goal is to hopefully stay in the U.S. and work at an advertising agency, no matter where it may be located. I feel that if I have made it in Fayette for four years and a half, coming all the way from Venezuela; then I can survive anywhere.
What would you say to someone thinking of doing an internship in a field they are not sure of? Should I bother?
I feel that first, you should take several classes related to the field and see how you do. But as I mentioned before, once you are doing the Internship you will see if what you thought is actually what you are truly passionate about.
Name: Allyssa M. Joseph
Major: Marketing
Graduation: May 2012
What internship did you have?
Intern with Upper Iowa University Alumni House.
Why did you seek out an internship?
I sought out the internship with the Alumni House because Nicole Henry told me that a lot of what the Alumni House does it directly related to marketing which was my major. I was also told that it would teach me a lot about networking and building contacts.
Why did you choose this internship? What did you hope to gain?
I chose the internship because I felt it would give me hands on experience before I graduated and entered the real world. I wanted to gain some knowledge of how to work effectively within a professional setting so that I was prepared for the workplace in the real world.
What did you actually learn from this internship? What do you feel you have gained?
I learned A LOT from my internship because I was constantly dealing with people for different projects, whether it was networking with alumni or speaking with current students. I also had a great mentor who taught me about how to write formal e-mails, and what to write on resumes, and even how to present myself for interviews. I was taught plenty of lessons that I could take with me into the real world which is what makes a good internship in my opinion.
What was the result of this internship?
The result of the internship was that I created a brand new program on campus for students to learn and participate in philanthropy. It also opened my eyes to seeing how much work it takes to begin a new project or program on campus.
After graduation goal?
My goal after graduation is to first take a summer off to myself to travel and enjoy life with my family. Then I have hopes of getting a job that is somehow related to marketing it can be in the civilian sector or I may join the Air Force. Finding an enjoyable and challenging career is all I can ask for.
What would you say to someone thinking of doing an internship in a field they are not sure of? Should I bother?
Internships are very important to your college education because if you give it 100% you will walk away with skills that will help you in the workforce. An internship is like a job, you are expected to be there on time, be productive, learn the environment, and hopefully become a leader. If you complete a successful internship not only will you walk away with skills and knowledge, but you will walk away with a great experience and some good connections and references for your future.
Name: Austin Schnabel
Major: International Business
Minor: History
Graduation: Spring 2014
What internship did you have?
Cedar Valley Research Labs
Why did you seek out an internship?
It was a part of my graduation requirements for International Business. I was also looking for something productive to do during the summer.
Why did you choose this internship? What did you hope to gain?
I had a connection with my current mentor with his company. I wrote a business grant for his company last spring. Afterwards, I realized that I wanted to gain some business experience because I know hardly know anything about the business world. This internship was a good introduction for me.
What did you actually learn from this internship? What do you feel you have gained?
A lot about the "little things" in businesses. These "little things," such as loyalty, honesty, and perseverance, are what really make a business thrive. While working there, I learned more about the establishments of businesses, I had developed better social skills, and I have made connections with successful people.
What was the result of this internship?
As a result from this internship, I can say that I have grown. I see a bigger picture in society, and I have a better understanding of the world around me.
After graduation goal?
After graduation, I definitely want to find a job overseas. I am not exactly sure where I will be in ten or fifteen years, but I feel much more confident about my future. I want to know more about the world, and I truly want to make a difference, in my community, my country, and my world.
What would you say to someone thinking of doing an internship in a field they are not sure of? Should I bother?
You won't know for sure until you give it a try. An internship is really a way to find out what you want or don't want. I strongly recommend every student, regardless of their major, to do an internship. Nothing beats experience when you are searching for the right career.
