What were some Career Center services you used or events you attended?

I used SeminoleLink to search for internships that piqued my interest and were relevant to my major. I have also attended the (Seminole Futures) career fair the past two years.

How have these helped you in landing the internship?

Through SeminoleLink, I was accepted to work as both a Development Intern at Big Brothers Big Sisters in spring 2015 and as a Financial Representative for Northwestern Mutual this summer.

What did you learn from the experience?

My internship with Northwestern Mutual taught me the value of hard work, persistence, and preparation. Before the internship began, I worked on a 40-hour course learning about insurance products, laws, and regulations. This prepared me to pass my state exam and become licensed to sell insurance in the state of Florida. I also attended Northwestern Mutual’s week-long intensive training to learn about Northwestern Mutual products, prospecting, setting appointments, making phone calls, meeting with prospects and clients, and assessing clients needs to provide them with service. Finally, I applied this knowledge to my 10-week internship program at the Northwestern Mutual McKernan office, observing experienced Financial Representatives and learning from practical application throughout the summer.

What advice do you have for current students?

It’s never too early to start looking for an internship. Internships allow you to gain the real-world experience employers are looking for after you graduate college, and it’s a great way to discover the job opportunities that are available in your major. Also, make a good impression at any internship you receive. If you show up on time every day and continually make the effort to impress the workers at your office, you will get so much more out of your internship experience.

What are your future goals?

My future goals are to work for a reputable company, such as Google or the Walt Disney Company, and eventually become the Marketing Director for that company.