This fall, I joined Partnering Up for Pets, a student organization that works to provide volunteers for the Franklin County Dog Shelter. Students usually carpool together and spend an hour or two assisting staff with tasks, for example ensuring all dogs are walked at least once a day. While there, I am required to wear a badge to signal I am a volunteer who is allowed to handle the dogs.

The badge is significant for two reasons. Firstly, it signifies my continuing commitment to volunteering. I have extensive experience with community service, including eight years managing and assisting with various programs at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Upper Arlington, Ohio; a year at Tridia Hospice in Columbus, Ohio; and participation in 4 Paws 4 Ability during the fall of 2016.

It is also signifies my continuing involvement at Ohio State. I have already spent three semesters in the International Affairs Scholars Program, and have (and will) studied abroad through courses at Ohio State. I plan to use my experience with PUP to help me open doors into more ways to get involved, such as using it on resumes for other organizations or internships or asking other club members about other student organizations with similar community service opportunities in which I could become involved.

In mid-August, I interviewed with NetJets about an internship with their Sales and Marketing Team. It was an incredible opportunity in which I learned several key aspects about the interview process, which can contribute to my success later in life.

Despite having two part-time jobs and extensive volunteer experience in the past, I had never had a formal interview in an official office setting before. Nor had I been asked extensive questions like I had in the NetJets interview. It was an incredibly helpful experience that taught me how to conduct myself in a formal interview and what types of questions I may be asked, which can help me prepare for future interviews. It was also an amazing opportunity to determine which aspects of my resume were more “interesting” to employers; as a result, I know what I need to promote both on my resume and in interviews and what sorts of experiences are more beneficial when looking for employment.

I consider my interview with NetJets to be one of my biggest successes. Not only was I offered the internship (though I sadly had to turn it down), it was extremely informative and a valuable experience! I plan to both apply what I have learned about the interview process to future job openings and to investigate future opportunities with NetJets.