Summer Growth

By Matt Hawkins

Marketing major Taylor Maloney ’16 wanted a summer experience that would test her abilities. She found that challenge through an internship at office furniture manufacturer The HON Company.

The Table Grove, Illinois, native strengthened her critical thinking and leadership skills through sales-focused projects and numerous presentations.

“This internship pushed me every day to reach outside my comfort zone to get things done,” she said. “I knew I had to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I enjoyed going to work knowing I would be stretched through projects as I tried to make a difference within the company.”

Maloney’s work focused on problem-solving sales and marketing matters. She developed product and competitor comparisons, compiled project cost quotes and enhanced materials for sales staff.

Through those experiences, she learned how to conduct effective meetings and improved her presentation abilities.

Those achievements also boosted her confidence.

“After a while, I was able to trust the work I completed and was proud of my accomplishments,” Maloney said. “This was part of the reward for choosing a challenging internship. I loved seeing — and taking — opportunities for growth throughout the summer.”

The intern also discovered the significance of a corporate culture that values interns’ input. She returned to school with a network of new friends and company leaders who will be important resources as she prepares for the future.

“I know I can call anyone I worked with and ask them anything,” Maloney said. “I value the friendships I made and the way my managers valued my work. It’s great working for a company knowing you can make a difference.”