Kyle Drovdal’s Post

"What not to do in life?" Internships in college can be a game changer, provided you aren't just doing one for the sake of enhancing your CV. Whilst the inherent benefits of internships are universal, i.e. getting a peek into the corporate culture, learning hard skills etc., it's those who look beyond these factors who are able to maximise the experiences and actually shape those into stepping stones. I had an opportunity to intern in a Big 4 organisation during my college days. I was fortunate to grab that internship, and made sure to put in my 100%. During those 8-odd weeks, my primary goal was to connect with individuals and absorb information. I was keen to understand the ground work in detail and what a potential career might look like in the domain of audit. With all due respect, I could have easily slipped into the entitlement zone and still could have easily earned the certificate by doing the bare minimum. I would have gotten the "brand name" on my CV, and the so-called goal would have been accomplished. But instead, I consciously chose to use that time wisely. Granted that my goal wasn't to be the star performer and aim for a PPO. (In fact I was the only one out of the 10 interns to be denied a PPO). Through that period, I learnt one invaluable lesson - that the field of audit isn't my cup of tea. I learnt that I would not be able to flourish in this domain and that it doesn't bring out the spark in me. I learnt what people sometimes take years to learn: "What not to do in life?" And this lesson had a magnified impact on my succeeding years, for it gave me the much needed clarity going forward in my job hunting. It's often said that our 20s are for exploring. You'll only learn by experience and eventually you'll be able to discover what appeals to you. It was a blessing in disguise in that regard, simply because I identified at least one domain to keep away from even before I stepped out of college. And while the collateral benefits might still be applicable, it's the key lesson that builds into your longer game that truly matters. What do you look for in an internship?

I recently had quite the experience training an intern, and honestly, it taught me a lot. When faced with an intern who displayed: - Lousy work ethic  - Unresponsiveness  - A lack of interest and seriousness in the role - No understanding of workplace etiquettes ...it became a real challenge and turned into an incredibly frustrating process. Training someone who isn’t engaged or willing to learn felt like a waste. It drained my time, efforts, and the energy I was investing in guiding her, all while my important tasks were being neglected.  The stress of trying to mentor someone who’s simply not interested builds frustration. Internships are more than just stepping stones. They're opportunities to show professionalism, eagerness, and respect for the work and the team. For anyone entering an internship, showing up with the right attitude is essential—not just for personal growth, but for maintaining the team’s productivity and morale. Please be mindful that even as an intern, your attitude and work ethic have a huge impact—not just on you, but on the people around you. Show up ready to learn, be engaged, and respect the opportunity in front of you. It really goes a long way!

Want to learn about maximizing your internship experience? Read more about how Tabitha Fortner did it! #InternshipSearch #InternshipTips

If you're itching to score that dream internship, take a peek at this article from Boston University's 'Your Everything Guide to Landing an Internship.' It's packed with insider insights and practical tips to help you navigate the internship world like a pro. Plus, get some real talk from upperclassmen who share their internship adventures and drop some serious knowledge bombs. Great piece of advice! #internship #internshipsearch #career #experientiallearning

The talent gap is real. INTRO TO INSURANCE - A COURSE FOR INTERNS DESIGNED FOR: Interns at member firms looking to advance their industry knowledge and professional skills. AVAILABLE TO: All Member Firms. #TheCouncil #FutureOfInsurance #TheCouncilAcademy #TheCouncilFoundation #IntroToInsurance #InsuranceSchool

The talent gap is real. INTRO TO INSURANCE - A COURSE FOR INTERNS DESIGNED FOR: Interns at member firms looking to advance their industry knowledge and professional skills. AVAILABLE TO: All Member Firms. #TheCouncil #FutureOfInsurance #TheCouncilAcademy #TheCouncilFoundation #IntroToInsurance #InsuranceSchool

Interested in landing an internship? BUToday turned to the CCD's Sarah Garibova and Noelle O'Brien, M.Ed to get some expert tips for making your first career move in their series "The BU Guide to Everything" #BostonUniversity #BUToday #BUCenterForCareerDevelopment #CCD #TerrierNation #InternshipTips #CareerGoals #InternshipSearch #Internship

#Internships are a fantastic way for students to gain real-world experience, test drive a career, and build valuable connections. Encourage your students to seek out an internship that aligns with their favorite career path! Share this article with them about the benefits of internships and how to find one > > > https://ow.ly/bsXN50RYZU5 #ASVABCEP #CareerExploration #FutureSuccess

Hey there! A few days ago one of my juniors asked me about the internships and how disappointed she was as she hasn't done any internship while her friends were able to hoop onto a few. I understand how overwhelming it can feel to see others seemingly doing more internships while you're still figuring things out. And trust me It's easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others (been there,done that) but it's important to remember that everyone's journey is unique,( I've already talked about this in one of my previous posts.) I've realized that it's not just about the number of internships you've done but the quality of the experiences and the skills you've gained from them. I've come to appreciate that my worth isn't solely based on the quantity of internships I've completed. It's okay to take things at my own pace and focus on what I've learned rather than the numbers. It's crucial to give yourself credit for the progress you've made so far. You're learning and growing in your own way, and that's something to be proud of. Just trust that things will fall into place when the time is right. It's okay to take a moment to acknowledge your efforts and achievements. #internships #du #delhiuniversity #cvs

Curious about how an #internship can boost your competitiveness in the job market? 🤔 Check out this video featuring Diane, who shares her experience with our Summer Associates Program and how it set her up for success in the professional world! Explore opportunities: bit.ly/PHLYInternships #PHLYInternLife #InsuranceCareersMonth #insurancecareers #insurance