October 2012 Archives

Internship Profile

David Marceau

Class of 2013

Major: Business Administration

Internship Employer: Sherwin Williams

Internship Title: Entry Level Intern

                In the summer of 2012 David Marceau got the chance to intern at Sherwin Williams. He was a member of a team of interns and worked on a project to improve "Lead Generation." As part of his team, David had to present his research and findings to the president of sales. This was one of the most nerve racking experiences of his life but he passed the test with flying colors. After his groups presentation the president of sales commended them on their efforts. Aside from his work with a team, he also answered phones and dealt with customers.

                "It was great to learn how to be a part of a bigger team, to collaborate with others to get the job done." David got invaluable experience working with a team at Sherwin Williams. Even though this job didn't directly correlate with his eventual career goals, he still learned many new things that will aid him in the future. "Overall it was a great experience for me."

                David learned about this internship opportunity through the Center for Internships and Career Development here at Eastern. His biggest piece of advice for those looking to follow in his footsteps and obtain an internship is to be actively engaged in the workplace. "Ask questions. No question is a stupid question. Put yourself out there. Experience it all while you have the chance."

Story by Dan Calzone

Internship Profile

Sebastian Walsh

Class of 2013

Major: Business Administration

Internship Employer: First Investors, East Hartford

Internship Title: Entry Level Intern

           Sebastian Walsh is currently partaking in an internship at First Investors in East Hartford. He is an Entry Level Intern, and performs tasks that are assigned to him by a sales representative. So far he has had to work in the mail room, licking and stamping envelopes. As time draws on, Sebastian will get to perform more important tasks, but he first has to pay his dues. Recently he was asked to read over a climate portfolio, and see how the investments the company was making were working out.  

                Sebastian has hopes of one day being a stock broker, and this internship will only help guide him in the right direction. He is learning a lot about how a business works at First Investors, and this is his first chance to work in a business office environment.  This experience has taught him that it will take a lot of hard work to get the job of his dreams.

Sebastian heard about this internship opportunity through the Center for Internships and Career Development. He then applied, interviewed, and eventually got the job. His advice to other students looking to get an internship is to make sure you apply early. "Apply early. Don't limit yourself to just one company."

-Story by Dan Calzone

INTERNSHIP PROFILE:

Tierra Downie

Class of May 2013

Business Administration (Management)

Internship Employer: Enterprise

Position Title: Intern Management Trainee

            As a teenager, Tierra Downie's parents required her and her siblings to work at Six Flags as a means of developing character and work ethic. Not only has her work experience done that, but it has also created a very humble, down to earth woman. She has since moved on to be a senior at Eastern Connecticut State University, studying Business Administration and Management. In addition to her studies, she remains President of the on-campus student organization F.E.M.A.L.E.S., is a Peer Counselor for the Center for Internships and Career Development, and holds an internship at Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

            For five months Tierra has worked hard at Enterprise [Windsor, CT & Springfield, MA], a position she learned about through a guest speaker with F.E.M.A.L.E.S. Through her internship she has learned valuable lessons in customer rapport, networking, and general business. She assists with sales, customer service, and upselling from day to day. Tierra puts emphasis on the fact that Enterprise is an "open door" business. Managers and executives work on a name to name basis and, like all employees, even washes cars with them. For her humble upbringing, it's a very accommodating work environment.

            Unlike many of her peers, Tierra feels that uncertainly post-graduation isn't necessarily a bad thing. After school, she's unsure of whether she'd like to go to Graduate school or start her own business in healthcare contracting and supplies. "Get out there. Go," is Tierra's philosophy, "Try it. It's alright to be unemployed. It's alright not to know. I can fail and get back up." For now, she's working towards her degree with plenty to keep her occupied in the meantime.

            Her "if you fail, bounce back up" theory applies even to the hunt for an internship. "Just because it doesn't pertain to your major, don't count it out. There's always a fit for someone. Never take no. No means 'not now'. Go somewhere else. A lot of people are so easily discouraged." If you fall down, simply brush yourself off and get back up again.

Story by Alexandra Remy