When I first started looking for internships, I had no idea where the road would lead me to. My fiancée knew I have struggled in the past when searching for internships and even employment to earn an income. He gave me ideas on where to look and even assisted me with my resume.
I found a job and internship.
This would not be possible without his support. His parents and my family’s support are also essential. What made me so blessed to know each one of them? They each had a role during this crucial time for me.
I was unemployed for two and a half years. My applications to various internships were put aside almost instantly. I did not have the ability to prove myself in this industry. No one was willing to give a graduate a chance. The reason? No experience. Not even a cover letter would have changed things.
That being said, this reflection is not to downplay internships at all. It’s a reminder to employers to take into account that applicants often seek knowledge in the professional field. This knowledge isn’t always discussed in the classroom. The intern wants to interact with the professionals in the field they are studying. Get a foot in the door. They do not want to be cast aside as the understudy of the company. We seek growth. To learn and grow in an ever evolving profession is what an intern strives to accomplish. The intern seeking business needs to do better. The job market needs to do better.
Again, this reflection is not to downplay internships. This post is my experience and the raw emotion that came with it.
I have had close calls with employment opportunities during semester and between breaks. By close calls I mean interviews. The one interview I had left me with an ache in my stomach that you sometimes get when you’re nervous. I knew that I wasn’t getting the job or the internship. The half hour interview had gone well without any issues. The answers were professional and I only stuttered once.
My fiancee had talked about my skills to the CEO of the company that he works for. She was interested. But I knew it was a long shot.
My soon to be father-in-law had talked to his sister about a possible new hire (me).
This way, I can at least support myself financially during the internship search. The nerves hit quick and I couldn’t sit still. I was helping the in laws take care of their grandsons when the interview time had come.
The interview went for what felt like an hour.
Keep in mind, this interview wasn’t for an internship but just for a job at a cleaning service. My first job out of high school was janitorial work.
The interview went smoothly and the person interviewing me is the founder of Sparkleen Services, Jenny Paulson. I have seen Jenny before at holiday gatherings and was talking like I have known her my whole life. She asked about my skills with the computer and a possible little web site that I can make when I wasn’t cleaning. An internship was a stretch to ask but Jenny agreed because she wanted to give back in a way that helps my education.
I remember tearing up in front of my fiancee, finally feeling the tightness of the internship search falling away. No feeling can explain it correctly but I knew I was relieved from the stress pulling at my heart. Not only was I employed but I also gained an internship to use for my internship class in the fall.
My first day at the office was one I would remember for a long time. Jenny saw my skills on the computer. I consumed information quickly. It made her realize that I needed to stay in the office full time. So I am her office assistant helping her with billing and making her a website. She gave me a chance to grow into my field. She agreed to have me as an intern while I was employed as an office assistant.
To end this reflection I want to thank the people that kept me sane and hopeful for the future:
I am thankful to God for giving me this opportunity. To paving the way for success. I knew he had a plan and my life partner was a huge part of it.
My fiancee, Jeffrey, I love you and I can not thank you enough for the endless love, support, and patience you have shown during this journey. Mom and dad for listening to me vent and supporting me through thick and thin. My brothers, Andy and Donnie and their families for being my support team alongside my parents. My nieces and nephews for understanding the assignment and not letting the stress overwhelm my time with them.
My instructor, Tammy Freund, for not giving up on me. These past 2 and a half years were unforgettable. You watched me grow and thrive in web design and mobile application. Even if it was through a computer screen on Microsoft Teams. I couldn’t ask for a better instructor other than you, Tammy.
My boss, Jenny, for giving me a chance to show off my skills; for listening to me talk your ear off about web design; and teaching me billing, something I have never thought I’d do but I like it, so that I can become a good office assistant.
Because of everyone, I am seeing the future a little brighter than it was before.
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Excellent start on your Blog