During my first meeting of the semester with my Area Coordinator, Dovonne Adams, from the Office of Residential Life, we discussed my goals for the spring 2024 semester and how I would be working towards them. Reflecting on my experiences from the past fall 2023 semester, I realized that I had missed the major application deadlines for consulting internships. Declaring my economics major during my sophomore year without much prior knowledge or research meant I was unaware that the application season for consulting and banking internships started a year before the summer I wanted to intern. Therefore, this semester, my primary goal is to apply to and secure a business, economics, or finance-related internship back home in Houston to gain valuable experience.
Dovonne asked me several insightful questions to help clarify my objectives and align my efforts with my academic and career goals. When asked what I hope to learn from this experience, I expressed my desire to understand the practical applications of my academic knowledge in real-world settings. I believe that an internship will provide me with the opportunity to apply economic theories and business principles in a professional environment, thereby bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical experience. Additionally, gaining hands-on experience will help me identify specific areas of interest within the broad field of economics, guiding my future career decisions.
In terms of how this work complements my academic, extracurricular, and career interests, I see it as a critical stepping stone towards achieving my long-term goals. My academic journey in economics has been both challenging and rewarding, and I am eager to enhance it with practical experience. Moreover, my experience with Wesleyan’s open curriculum and being able to double major in Economics and the College of East Asian Studies has fueled my passion for the intersection between business and people. Securing an internship will not only reinforce my academic learning but also provide me with the skills and experiences necessary to compete in the job market after graduation.
Regarding feedback and support, I emphasized the importance of regular check-ins and accountability. Given the demands of my coursework and part-time jobs, it is easy to lose track of my progress. Monthly meetings with Dovonne would help ensure that I stay on course, providing an opportunity to discuss any challenges I encounter and receive constructive feedback. This support system will be crucial in keeping me motivated and focused throughout the semester.
When discussing the “Six Ideals Into Practice” competencies, I identified inquiry and analysis, and socio-cultural awareness as my strengths. My academic work has honed my analytical skills, enabling me to critically evaluate data and develop well-supported arguments. Additionally, my background and experiences as a first-generation low-income woman of color have cultivated a strong sense of sociocultural awareness, allowing me to appreciate and navigate different cultural perspectives effectively. However, I recognized the need for development in communication and collaboration. Although I am comfortable with written communication, I aim to improve my verbal communication skills and become more effective in confrontational settings. Working on these areas will enhance my ability to convey ideas clearly and work efficiently within a team.
