Students Energized by Summer Internships: Lessons Learned
Three students have shared their experiences from impactful summer internships, highlighting the lessons learned and the professional insights gained. These internships not only provided practical skills but also helped them clarify their career aspirations.
Insights from Diverse Internship Experiences
Nadin Prabhu, a junior majoring in information management and technology, interned at IMA Financial Group in Boston, Massachusetts. This firm specializes in insurance brokerage and private wealth management. Prabhu expressed his enthusiasm for the financial services sector, aiming to merge finance, strategy, and technology in his future career.
During his internship, Prabhu rotated through various divisions, focusing on employee benefits. His responsibilities included tracking financial revenue and collaborating with different teams. He emphasized the importance of authentic connections in the workplace. “When you’re truly interested in others and bring authenticity to your interactions, it goes a long way in building trust and fostering collaboration,” he noted.
Prabhu’s advice for fellow interns is simple yet profound: “Always bring your best because client relationships need to be earned and maintained.” He highlighted the value of demonstrating initiative and humility, stating that every professional experience builds essential skills for the future.
Lessons Learned in the Legal Field
Another student, Gustavo Madero, a senior pursuing public relations and political science, completed an internship with Just Legal in Tokyo. This legal recruitment firm connects legal professionals with job opportunities. Madero, who aspires to attend law school, aims to specialize in immigration law to support his community.
Madero’s role involved administrative tasks, including database management and writing blog posts. He also accompanied his supervisor to meetings with law firms, gaining firsthand knowledge of the Tokyo job market and the legal profession. “Headhunters know exactly what law firms are looking for,” Madero explained, adding that his experience has prepared him for future interviews.
He underscored the significance of reputation, stating, “Whatever you do in life, always carry yourself with professionalism and respect.” Madero’s insights reflect a clear understanding of the importance of maintaining strong professional relationships.
Building Skills in Public Relations
Nola Roberts, also a junior, interned at Rosen Group PR, a public relations agency in New York City. Her focus was on accounts related to financial institutions and cultural organizations. Roberts plans to work in public relations for law firms or healthcare agencies and eventually pursue a law degree.
In her internship, Roberts was deeply involved in client meetings, crafting media pitches, and preparing award submissions. “I learned how to work in a fast-paced public relations environment,” she said, highlighting the hands-on experience she gained. Roberts emphasized the importance of building trusted client relationships while collaborating effectively with team members.
Her key takeaway was the critical role of communication in team dynamics: “Teams cannot function efficiently without proper communication on projects to meet deadlines.” This insight is particularly relevant in high-stakes environments where maintaining client satisfaction is paramount.
These students’ experiences illustrate the transformative power of internships. They not only provide essential skills and networking opportunities but also empower students to pursue their professional aspirations with clarity and confidence.
