Becoming a part of the team of CUNY LEADS at the New York City College of Technology is a milestone in my professional growth, and I cannot wait to narrate the story of the way that has led me this far. What I find amusing about this outstanding program is the diversified role of my design skills that aim at helping students attain their career goals. Such a change allows me to practice my creative powers and increase the depth of my knowledge in an educational setting that is also carefree.
I was the first among us to enter the process with an interview, which was the most intense stage, but it was inspiring as I got to prove myself. The first days of my internship were quite electrifying. I was urged to meet my supervisor, Linda Rivera, who soon became a mentor and an essential figure in my internship journey. Thanks to her proactive management, Linda has been the backbone that enabled me to deal successfully with all of my tasks and open up new leads for further growth.
The choice of CUNY LEADS as my internship setting was driven by my desire to serve in an environment that not only espouses diversity and fairness but also works consistently to ensure student empowerment for students with disabilities. Once I realized the difference it makes and how one can join this community by combining a passion for design, I could not hold back and took a step into it.
It was a transparent, straightforward, and uncomplicated search process all at once. Linda was interested in seeing my portfolio, checking my class schedule, and establishing whether I was free and what design specializations I already had. She then asked what I would contribute to the company based on my earlier experiences. This meeting was an opportunity to play my strengths of taking care of practical skills and availability to make the work/study balance.
Indeed, my greatest joy was to be among the chosen ones who had performed best during the interview and were contacted for a two to three-week waiting period. I got the job offer. It was a smooth and comfortable transition that let me immediately jump into the role, hungry to explore my skills and learn from future experiences. This internship is a work experience necessary for my career goals and also to contribute to a program that concentrates on students’ lives.
