Shylin Ferrera Journal Entry English Translation
Shylin Ferrera Journal Entry Japanese Translation
Software produced Audio and Translation
In the quest for a fulfilling internship, the journey often feels like a challenging maze.
It’s not just about finding the right fit but also about preparing mentally for the process. One of the first challenges I faced was the overwhelming amount of opportunities available. Looking through the internship postings on Openlab, I realized just how much time and effort is required just to research and apply to these various companies. Researching companies, tailoring applications, and navigating interviews, quickly became time-consuming and nerve-wracking. Despite that, I remained motivated knowing that persistence is key.
Eat, Sleep, Network, Network, Network.
I started my internship search by laying the proper foundation; crafting a proper portfolio and seeking out even better connections. We’re often told it’s not what you know but who you know, and that phrase has never been truer than during my internship search.
I actively sought out freelance graphic design work in various areas such as branding, logo design, and social media graphics, anything. These projects allowed me to not only showcase my creativity but also work on my people skills as I collaborated with clients to understand their needs and deliver exceptional work.
The experience not only prepared me for future internship opportunities but also helped me grow as a designer.
It was during this time that I also reached out to some peers I had in my field and was met with the opportunity to attend a company dinner at a big architecture firm. There, I learned to be active and intentional, I jotted down useful information, grabbed any contacts, and made sure to demonstrate my receptiveness and engagement. This, in turn, provided me not only valuable insights into professional networking but also led me to gain the internship I have today.
Ready, Set, Go
As the start of my internship grew near I reminded myself that apprehension, nerves, and doubts are natural. It’s expected you feel this way as you’re now made to juggle the stress of a new environment along with expectations, performance, and first impressions.
During my first week at my company, I went through a brief orientation and introduction to the team before jumping right into the project. The pressure to grasp every detail and perform at a high level was intense, to say the least. I felt panicked as the expectations to perform began to outweigh my excitement, however, I embraced the challenge. I employed all the same tactics that landed me the internship to begin with; taking notes, asking questions, and demonstrating my eagerness to learn and get started.
Eagerness to Learn And Willingness to Get Started.
A mindset that will take you far, not just in the internship process but in life. The internship search and onboarding experience has been enlightening and transformative. It’s not just about securing a position but also about personal growth, professional development, and building lasting connections. As I continue on this journey, I am committed to learning, adapting, and embracing every opportunity that comes my way.
