At my internship at Gradient Analytics, I learned how to analyze the earnings quality of a company through financial modeling, reading public releases of information from the company and building a thesis to synthesize this information into something tangibly usable for an investor. Personally, I did not realize how applicable this type of research was to understanding the entire business world. I now have a much deeper understanding of when and why companies fall apart. Usually financial analysis sticks to more surface level of only whether a company will go up in value, not always on if it will go down and how much. Pairing knowledge of both from a combination of school, outside certifications and this internship has lead to a very deep knowledge of how to value a business and how to improve business processes.
My internship experiences had been some of the most valuable experiences in my career life. They allowed me to put what I’ve learned from classes into hands-on practice, all while learning from experts and professionals. One skill that I’ve gained that I still use on my career now is always being curious. Curiosity fuels passion and has allowed me to explore areas that I never thought was possible. It has made me open to learning new skills and ways no matter how much I think I know a subject. I’ve observed that the brightest people are the ones that have endless curiosity and are always humble to learn more!
As an international business student and now a professional, working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and values, I've learned that teamwork is the most valuable transferable skill. It showcases an individual's ability to collaborate with others towards a common objective, breaking down barriers and fostering a more productive, efficient, and innovative work environment. In my professional experience, I have always been a part of a team, emphasizing the significance of teamwork. Being a team player has enabled me to be adaptable, learn from others, communicate effectively, and has been a crucial factor in my leadership development.
In my first internship, I had the exciting opportunity to work with company executives on a regular basis. As I progressed, I learned the importance of 'executive presence'. Executive presence is the ability to formulate and explain your work and rationale in a succinct, informed manner that clearly articulates to leadership the value you bring to an organization. With practice, this ultimately leads to trust with executive, an invaluable skill as you progress through your career.
Marketing & Community Manager at The Garage at Northwestern University
Answered 3 years ago
If there's one transferable skill I mastered through the multiple internships I held during my time at W.P. Carey, it's learning how to quickly adapt to ever-changing environments. Especially in fields like Marketing, Sales, and Public Relations, possessing this skill has proved to be highly valuable in my career and beyond. I'd urge every student to push themselves into unfamiliar territory, tackle new challenges, and be open to change. Internships provide the perfect opportunity to branch out into different industries and develop a variety of professional skills - don't be afraid to fail! And always remember, growth happens when comfortability ends. Carly Kramer '20 B.S. Marketing B.A. Business Law
A valuable skill I learned during my internship in healthcare management while at W.P Carey was understanding my audience and tailoring my message to communicate most effectively. Tailoring your message to your audience is so important when speaking to different groups such as Executive Teams, Clinical Staff, and other front line teams that help you run your business. When you tailor your message to your audience based on their areas of focus and how they measure success, you can deliver a message that touches on the things that they care about most, and are able to connect with them in a more impactful way. Always take the time necessary to understand what your audience cares about most and tailor your message to accommodate. Business is done much more optimally when everyone is on the same page.
Success in the workplace depends on effective communication. I discovered that it's crucial to get in touch with my boss by phone, email, or SMS if I have any issues or am unsure of how to complete a task. It is preferable to seek assistance and clarification as opposed to always acting as though you have comprehended what needs to be done. But I also discovered that you should Google anything you can. Being a competent communicator involves avoiding asking inquiries when the answer can be found elsewhere; bear in mind that everyone's time is valuable. Effective communication is essential for an intern's growth, productivity, efficiency, and engagement.
Success in the workplace depends on effective communication. I discovered that it's crucial to get in touch with my boss by phone, email, or SMS if I have any issues or am unsure of how to complete a task. It is preferable to seek assistance and clarification as opposed to always acting as though you have comprehended what needs to be done. But I also discovered that you should Google anything you can. Being a competent communicator involves avoiding asking inquiries when the answer can be found elsewhere; bear in mind that everyone's time is valuable. Effective communication is essential for an intern's growth, productivity, efficiency, and engagement.