This summer I worked as data analytics intern on the marketing team at Huntington Bank this summer in Columbus, Ohio. During this internship, I created charts, models, and dashboards using computer programs like R to help the business’s marketing efforts to be more successful.
Interning at Huntington allowed me the opportunity to experience working at a large company and in an industry that is different from insurance. I really enjoyed working at Westfield, which was a medium size company, last year; however, I wanted to experience what it’s like working at a large company like Huntington. Working at a large company transformed me. I could easily fly under the radar at a large company like Huntington. However, this is not what I want to do. I had to learn to speak up, say my ideas, and grow my confidence in order to be able to stand out at Huntington. This also ultimately helped me to decide where and what kind of company I like better and would like to try to work at when I graduate.
Huntington has over 16,000 employees and over 100 interns. In my specific department alone, there were 8 other interns. This means that I had to work very hard to make myself noticed. I did this by forcing myself out of my comfort zone. I went to several networking events where I was able to network with other interns, other colleagues in my department, and even members of the executive leadership team at Huntington.
After this summer, I am significantly more comfortable networking and talking with people who I don’t know. I also gave many presentations throughout the summer which also helped me to develop me my public speaking skills. This is a very important skill for data analysts because although most are able to create very cool and very insightful models and visualizations, they mean nothing if they aren’t able to be explained. A visual without an explanation can lead to misunderstandings and bad decisions within a business, so I am grateful for the opportunity to have been able to develop this very important skill.
Prior to this summer, when I attended meetings I tended to not speak up and just take it all in. I felt that as an intern I should not be speaking up because it will only distract from the discussion of the meeting. I was afraid to speak up and ask questions at risk of making myself look dumb and underqualified for my position. However, throughout this internship I was challenged and asked questions and taught by so many people in my department that I gained the confidence to speak up if I wanted to add something or ask a question. This is a very important skill to gain, especially at a large company, because it helps be to stand out and not be lost in the sea of all of the other employees.
After this internship I will be able to take all of the skills I’ve gained and leverage all of the different ways that I have developed professionally and personally into my future school and work career. I hope to be able to continue speaking up and stating my opinions whether that be in a work meeting, or even just a group project at school. I believe that the confidence that Huntington has helped me to gain will help me in so many aspects of my life as well. I will feel confident talking to recruiters about all of my skills and experiences at a diverse set of companies. I will also have much more relevant work experience to touch on in my interviews. All in all, I believe that all of the growth and experiences that I had this summer will help me to get the dream job I have always wanted when I graduate.
