As this semester is coming to an end, I reflect on my experience through the course and my internship at SiriusXM. I will value everything that I have learned and I hope the tips provided are useful to you and your journey.
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Getting your first internship can be hard and discouraging. Mainly because many of the companies you want to work with want their candidates to have experience in the field. But how can you get experience when no one will give you the chance to showcase your skills and improve through the internship? That was my exact thought process.
After each rejection letter I received, I never stopped applying for internships because all it takes is that one yes. My first internship was this semester at SiriusXM. In the beginning of my internship, I didn’t know what to expect or what they expected of me. What I learned quickly was to ask questions and always ask for feedback. In your internship, you want to walk away with improved skills as well as relationships with the people you work with. Networking is important. Even though everything is online, it’s important to take that next step and keep a consistent balance of communication.
Another thing I learned was to take initiative. If you see something that could be a great idea for your team to work on or see a potential person to interview, let your team know. I also learned that the idea doesn’t have to be perfect, your team is there to help you formulate your ideas and bring them into fruition. From my experience during my internship when I wasn’t motivated, I went to the events that SiriusXM put on for the interns. We got the chance to learn from individuals in the business who are in the jobs that we one day hope to have. It really motivated me to better at what I was doing, and to continue to push myself because I know at the end of Internship, I want to leave with more than I first came in with.
In conclusion, my advice on how to stay motivated is to follow people who you aspire to be like one day. Whether it’s your mentor or on social media. Seeing the possibility that you can get to where they are should fuel you to work your hardest. Taking the Practicum course this semester has taught me to expect the unexpected and to always be early because being on time is almost like being late. Stay ahead of your work if you can, and ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS check your email and Blackboard because you don’t want to miss a due date.
Jade Boone 