My internship with Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association has come to an end.
Now, you might be wondering, “Why share this?" Allow me to explain.
It's not uncommon for interns to feel marginalized, a sentiment sadly familiar to me.
Feeling undervalued, you slowly start to dismiss your ideas and lose motivation to contribute.
You feel as if you’re not someone whose ideas matter or someone who can bring forth value.
Perhaps it's due to your position, race, or gender.
But without speaking out, your insightful perspectives go unnoticed, leading to missed opportunities for advancement and growth, the whole point of the internship.
It's a perpetual cycle.
In addition, studies show that 45% of female business leaders find it challenging for women to speak up in the workplace or assert themselves.
As a woman of color, this statistic is even more disheartening.
Recognizing this issue in workplaces, I wanted to share and emphasize the importance of embracing your voice and acknowledging your value!
Regardless of your position, ethnicity, or gender, you matter! I am all for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that is something that I will always fight for.
To my fellow interns who resonate with this struggle (or anyone else navigating similar experiences), know this: there's a company out there that values and supports your success. Stay resilient but never stay stagnant! I am always open to listen to those who share these challenges, anyone is always more than welcome to reach out.
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2moLove our interns!