Making the Most of Your Internship
Have you ever heard the best way to learn is by doing? One way to gain that valuable experience is through internships.
Matthew Specht ’19 is one of those students who had a valuable internship experience. The supply chain management and professional sales double major from Munster, Ind., spent his summer as a sales management intern for Frito-Lay, a brand of PepsiCo.
In his time with Frito-Lay, Specht focused on increasing sales in four Louisville, Ky.-area markets. He also sharpened his communication and management skills by working with a diverse group of people and leading various teams throughout his six-week project.
Specht shared a few words of advice for interns:
- Be eager to learn and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your eagerness means people will be more likely to teach you. Seek answers to your question as you are going to need help in learning. It is almost impossible to do it alone!
- Build relationships. Network with your colleagues to build rapport and boost your personal and professional development.
- Step outside your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to take a position that is a completely new experience or in a different city. These experiences might be challenging, but can result is tremendous growth.
- Keep an open mind. You are an intern and it is a learning process. But don’t forget, the work you are doing does mean something.
- Work hard. Take initiative and do more than is expected. Go above and beyond on every single assignment. You won’t need to tell people how hard you are working, the results will show for themselves.
Supply chain management and professional sales management double major Matthew Specht '19 (Photo provided)
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