Lola Gonzalez gained experience in customer satisfaction and social media creation as an intern with a manufacturing company.
How did you get your internship?
I got my internship through my Dad; he offered me this to help improve the company and take on a new learning opportunity that would further my professional development. He initially proposed this idea for me to intern for him when I was searching for opportunities. Once I realized the opportunity that it offered and realized how much growth the experience could provide, I was excited to join. I was very grateful to have my Dad provide me this opportunity to work alongside him throughout this internship process.
Why did you choose this internship?
Truthfully, when I first considered the opportunity I was not as interested as I am now that I am working here. I decided to complete my internship at Twist-Ems because of the ability to learn about the manufacturing process, marketing, and design of products. I ultimately decided to take this internship because of the broad variety of business processes that I would learn and could eventually apply to my field of interests, fashion and social media management. The idea of stepping out of my comfort zone to expand my skills and set new goals really resonated with how I wanted to develop professionally through this internship.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience?
My work tasks included learning about the manufacturing process through site visits and product creation. was able to get hands-on experience and understanding of the company and gain a sense of appreciation for the industry. I also had the opportunity to scale the company's social media by finding innovative ways to share the product. I helped Twist-Ems grow their presence on social media platforms by creating posts and making new connections on Instagram and LinkedIn to increase customer engagement. I was also constantly in contact with new web designers, brochure companies, and team members to create and improve new content for the website.
What is unique about your situation that influenced your internship selection or experience?
Something unique about my situation that influenced my internship experience was that I was working alongside my Dad. This allowed me to see the manufacturing process from a different perspective because growing up I have always heard stories and knew general information about the work he did, but now I was experiencing it first-hand with the perspective of an employee with the company. Working with my Dad also made me realize the importance of your workplace culture. I was fortunate as an intern to feel comfortable around my Dad and his team so therefore I had a smooth transition into the work space compared to if I had started somewhere unfamiliar or new.
What new knowledge and skills did you practice, learn, or develop in this internship?
During my internship, I significantly enhanced my networking, creativity, independence, organizational, and decision-making skills. Interacting with professionals across various departments allowed me to build a robust network, fostering valuable relationships and collaborations. The projects I worked on required innovative thinking and creative problem-solving, while managing my tasks independently sharpened my organizational abilities. Through continuous practice and real-world application, I became proficient in making informed decisions swiftly and efficiently.
What is the impact of your internship experience?
My internship experience profoundly impacted me because I realized the importance of challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone. Although some tasks did not seem to directly relate to my future career goals, they offered invaluable lessons and skills. By embracing these new experiences, I discovered strengths and interests I hadn't realized before. This journey taught me that personal and professional growth often comes from the unexpected challenges we face. Ultimately, the experience highlighted that every opportunity holds the potential for growth, regardless of its direct relevance to our long-term plans.
What advice do you have for other students as they search for and/or begin their internship?
My advice to other students searching for or beginning their internships is to remain open-minded and resilient. It's important to remember that rejection is a natural part of the process, and not landing your dream internship doesn't mean you won't have valuable growth and learning experiences. Be proactive in seeking opportunities, even if they don't align perfectly with your ideal career path, as every role can teach you something new and unexpected. Build relationships with professionals you meet along the way, as these connections can open doors to future opportunities. Make the most of your internship by asking questions, taking on challenges, and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Ultimately, your attitude and willingness to learn will define the success of your internship experience.