My STEP category was an internship where over the summer, I worked as a Digital Marketing Intern at a consulting firm named PME Consultores. This internship took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina completely in Spanish, and was 40-hours a week in person.

While in Argentina, I discovered a few things about myself. One of these things was that my confidence and ability in spanish, as compared to before they trip, has increased tremendously. Another thing I discovered about myself was that working in an office space in a professional environment might not be for me. Lastly, being in Argentina was a great way to learn more about another South American culture that differed from my own Mexican roots.

My first discovery about myself has to do with my ability in spanish. Before going to Argentina, my confidence in my spanish ability has been quite low. Although spanish was technically my first language, as it was the language that I heard and used in the household growing up, attending English school and not doing much to refine my Spanish skills had led me to believe that they were lacking when compared to other native speakers. What I discovered was that I was actually one of the more proficient spanish speakers of the abroad program group. Not only that but some of the locals had commented on how well versed I am in spanish which led to me being more confident in my ability and more confident to express my feelings in spanish.

My second discovery came with my discontentment with the office life. My internship was an in-person only internship where I worked at an office with maybe 5 total employees. The lack of social interaction in the office makes me second guess whether I want to put myself in that environment. Now I know not every office job will only have 5 employees but the monotony of coming in everyday and being seated for 8 hours a day and staring at a computer just may not be for me. This was an important revelation as many of the jobs that I might pursue with my Finance degree would be office jobs, and now that I know what that’s like, perhaps it’s not for me.

My third discovery was the general expansion of my world knowledge. I’ve always loved traveling and have been to many countries, yet have never been south of the country of where my family is from and where I’ve visited multiple times. The history of Argentina is very rich and is prominent in their French architecture, Italian food, and spanish dialect. Being of Mexican descent, I’ve always seemed to subconsciously attribute spanish to people with more melanin or otherwise people that look more like myself, and going to Argentina made me open my eyes to the various types of shapes and colors that my spanish speaking companions came in. It was truly a sight to see.

These changes matter in my life because I believe that I will be able to make better decisions in my career going forward because of this experience. Before I had been so focused on securing an office job in Finance and my internship this summer is challenging that concept. I’m also a double major in spanish and with my newfound confidence in my ability, perhaps I might just want to delve into what professional careers my spanish major can offer rather than my Finance major. With my love for travel as previously mentioned, I believe this experience to be culminating a new path for me, perhaps one where I could use that spanish to travel to the rest of South America like I’ve always wanted to do. I’m so grateful that I was able to experience all that Argentina had to offer and if I could, I would do it all over again.

My STEP Signature Project was an internship with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) out of their Detroit office as a Summer Associate. Throughout the course of the summer, I worked on a team of 6 BCG employees ranging from myself as an intern all the way up to the Managing Director & Partner assigned to the case. Our client was an international food distributor that hired BCG as part of an organizational transformation initiative with the goal of improving operations and increasing their liquidity as debt payments were fast approaching.

Going into the project, I was set that I would love the company and be ready to work there after graduation. I soon realized that the consulting world is much different than what you hear about during coffee chats or reading online. The work itself was genuinely interesting and challenging, providing ample opportunity to work on both quantitative and qualitative skills. I certainly improved upon a variety of abilities while conducting analyses in Excel, working on PowerPoints, or collaborating with both my team and the client team.
I soon realized that there are many aspects of consulting that I had not considered. Travelling to the client site in Arkansas was one such experience that gave me a gut punch to what I value in the work that I would like to do. Travelling weekly on Monday/Thursday for 7+ hours/day (unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Detroit to Arkansas) was something that I was unprepared for and had not considered how this might impact me. I have found that I prefer to be located in a central area, travelling when necessary and ideally being located in a place close to friends and family. This project had immense benefits for me as a student and a professional, but my biggest takeaway is that I need to be close to those that I care about in order to work and operate at my best level.

I came to this conclusion as a result of a few different experiences including the travel model of BCG, being located in Detroit, and paying attention to how my experience differed as a function of who I was around.
To begin, there is certainly value in travelling to your client as a consultant. The in-person experience and ability to tackle problems and speak to people in real time cannot be understated. I simply realized that for me personally,
I would rather either be on a hybrid/virtual/travel when necessary model compared to the 4 days/week on site experience that I had. Travelling Monday morning and Thursday evening was quite draining, and I often found that it was hard to be productive while in airports, planes, and Ubers. It was also difficult to keep up with my personal goals and habits such as working out, eating healthy, and being outside when travelling. These activities are particularly important to me and were difficult to alter while living in hotels with minimal equipment, nutrition, and time available. Ultimately, while I understand that some client travel is necessary, this made me realize that I would prefer to do so as little as possible.
Secondly, living in Detroit was an important signal that I work and live best when surrounded by people that I love. While I was fortunate to have a couple of friends in the area, they were also quite busy and were limited on time. This allowed me to reflect as I sat alone in my downtown studio apartment that the people that I surround myself with are of the utmost importance. For this reason, I realized that I hope to live in an area that I am able to maintain and grow those relationships with my friends and family, such as Columbus, Chicago, or a few others. I know that there may come a day when I will live in a new city far from home, but I hope to be a part of a stable family and further into my career when this day comes.
Finally, I was lucky enough to travel to Chicago a couple of times over the summer to be with people that I care about. This reinforced the importance of being around friends and family as I found that my work and mental state were elevated after having spent time and relaxing with my friends. Having noticed this change after only being away for a month, I realized that it would be very difficult for me to maintain for an extended period of time.
Overall, I am very grateful for my experience with BCG and all that I learned and was fortunate enough to experience through my 10 weeks there. My experience as written above may not sound like it was entirely enjoyable, but I am extremely grateful that I was able to have the internship and better position myself to be in a company that better aligns with my goals and values before graduating.

From this experience, I am better able to utilize my time in school to find a company that will provide me with the opportunities that I am looking for. This is significant because I believe that it is much easier to pivot to something else before I am out of school and am accumulating responsibilities and in a routine with a particular job. Without the opportunity to actually gain some experience and try the job before graduating, I may have become stuck in a role that I was not excited about being in and just went with the flow because it is much easier to do that than interview for something else while also working. This was also a significant experience as it taught me that it is okay to change your mind about important life decisions. While it may not be easy, it is certainly worth the risk to look for something else that will get you excited to go to work each day!

During my PepsiCo internship, my main activities revolved around Quality and Food Safety within the Supply Chain department. I was responsible for training processing operators to digitalize their lab reports, a critical step in improving operational efficiency and data accuracy on the manufacturing plant floor. Additionally, I played a key role in the implementation process, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure a smooth transition.

This internship significantly transformed my understanding of operational excellence and the impact of data-driven decisions in a large-scale manufacturing environment. I witnessed firsthand how technology could streamline processes, enhance data accuracy, and drive efficiency. My assumptions about the complexity of supply chain operations were challenged, and I developed a deeper appreciation for the role of technology in ensuring quality and safety in the food industry.

The transformation stemmed from various aspects of my internship experience. First, the hands-on training of processing operators required effective communication and teaching skills, helping me enhance my ability to convey technical information clearly and concisely. Second, collaborating with cross-functional teams highlighted the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving in achieving common goals. Third, observing how technology could revolutionize traditional processes reshaped my perspective on the potential for innovation in even the most established industries.

Several events, interactions, and activities during my PepsiCo internship were pivotal in facilitating the transformation of my perspective on technology and its role in supply chain operations. Firstly, my interactions with processing operators on the manufacturing plant floor were eye-opening. These individuals possessed valuable operational insights, and through active listening and engagement, I gained a profound understanding of the challenges they faced. This taught me the importance of bridging the gap between technology and the end-users, emphasizing user-friendly solutions and fostering a collaborative environment.

Additionally, my collaboration with cross-functional teams exposed me to diverse skill sets and perspectives. These interactions highlighted the power of interdisciplinary teamwork and the need for effective communication across departments. I now recognize the significance of this skill in my future career, where collaboration and bridging gaps between different functions will be essential.

These experiences have not only expanded my technical knowledge but also broadened my understanding of the human element in technology adoption. As I embark on my career, I am better equipped to approach complex challenges with a holistic view, emphasizing user-centric solutions and cross-functional collaboration. This transformation, rooted in my PepsiCo internship, will undoubtedly influence my approach to problem-solving and decision-making in the professional world.

Overall, my PepsiCo internship not only provided practical insights into supply chain operations but also instilled in me a passion for leveraging technology to drive operational excellence. These experiences have expanded my career horizons, and I am now more confident in my ability to contribute to transformative projects in my future career.

The change and transformation I underwent during my PepsiCo internship hold immense significance in my life as they are directly aligned with my academic, personal, and professional aspirations. Academically, this transformation has deepened my understanding of how technology interfaces with real-world challenges. It has broadened the horizons of my education, demonstrating the critical role of innovation and data-driven decision-making in diverse industries. This expanded perspective will not only enrich my academic pursuits but also empower me to explore interdisciplinary solutions in my future studies.

On a personal level, this change has reinforced my belief in the power of adaptability and continuous learning. It has instilled in me a profound sense of curiosity and an eagerness to embrace technological advancements in my personal life. Moreover, it has strengthened my commitment to contributing positively to society, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and responsible innovation.

Professionally, this transformation has positioned me to be a more versatile and effective problem-solver in a rapidly changing job market. It aligns perfectly with my long-term goal of becoming a consultant who leverages technology and data-driven insights to drive innovation and efficiency across various industries. The skills and mindset cultivated during my internship have prepared me to make a meaningful impact as a future professional, fostering positive change and growth in organizations and communities alike. This transformation is not just valuable; it is foundational to my journey towards achieving my goals and making a difference in the world.

My STEP Signature Project was an internship I had over the summer for a small environmental consulting firm called R2O. The internship was based in Cleveland, OH, and I was an environmental intern for R2O. Since I was based in Cleveland, a lot of the projects I was working on regarded Lake Erie and how to limit pollution in the lake. I did a lot of rainfall analysis, Geographic Information System (GIS) work, and pollution remediation data analysis.

Personally, I did not know what environmental consulting actually was before I started my internship. I am an environmental science major, and there are a lot of different routes you can explore with careers being this major, and consulting is one of them. Consulting is not something you can learn in school, which is why I was so lucky to have an internship at R2O, and it being a small business, everything was very hands on, and I felt myself actually doing meaningful work. I assumed consulting was very much only office work and client relations, but I was wrong- a lot of consulting involved field work, team building skills, personal interactions, and constant movement/changes. I was going into my internship thinking I was probably not going to be doing much as only an intern, but I was wrong. The workplace in general relies heavily on interns’ skillsets and ambition. We are actively learning the newest and most cutting-edge material, so we have a lot to offer companies when the hire us on. I would say that was the biggest perception of mine that was changed. Interns are very important and doing internships is extremely helpful when you are trying to narrow down what you want to do after college!

Like I said before, I worked for a small business, and so everything was very personal and hands on which made this internship a great experience. I developed relationships with everyone in the office, including the CEO of the company. One of the great things about working with a small business, is that you can interact with everyone, including the chairs of the company. R2O is a woman owned, woman powered engineering firm, so I was super inspired by every person that worked so hard to get to where they are. I also became super close with my supervisor, and she gave me career advice, life advice, and help with grad school! Ironically enough, we both had the same name, so it was really fun working with her and never knowing who someone was talking to.

In addition to building relationships within the office, my work signed me up for an internship group in the greater Cleveland area that would hold events for Cleveland interns during the summer. The organization was through the Greater Cleveland Partnership and the events ranged from happy hours to networking events and even professional writing seminars. I am very thankful my work took the extra mile to make sure I was making the most of my internship not only at their company, but within the community I was working for. At the GCP events, I met many professionals in the environmental field that offered me career advice, and I was also able to speak highly about R2O at professional events and give them free publicity.

An activity that I had the opportunity of being apart of during my internship was taking on the role as R2O’s lead GIS developer. A month before I left, R2O’s GIS technician moved to another job, and so they had no one in this role. Throughout my time at Ohio State, I have taken multiple GIS classes, so they were thrilled to hear I had GIS experience. They ended up giving me complete access to their GIS needs, and as only an intern, I was heading all of their GIS analysis and map making. It was a really cool experience to be able to apply what I have been learning in school to real world work. I was extremely lucky to have an internship that trusted me and allowed me to do real work and not meaningless busy work.

This transformation is significant to my life because it showed me how far you can get with hard work and dedication to something you love. I found that if you are doing something that you are passionate about surrounded by others who share that same passion/drive, you can push yourself to do anything. I was only an intern, working among people who have years of experience, but they never once doubted me, so I never doubted myself. I think it is rare to experience something like this so early on in your career, but I am so lucky to have found R2O.

This development is providing me a lot of insight going into the next journey of my life- graduate school. I was kind of on the fence about pursuing a masters or a PhD due to the time commitment and grueling schedule, but R2O showed me that hard work can get you anywhere. I feel more confident about finding solutions on my own rather than following guidelines to help me which is very useful in graduate school in regard to performing your own research/writing a thesis. I was also provided with a lot of knowledge on graduate school admissions by the people I worked with, and I cannot thank them enough. If you are passionate about something, there is nothing in the world that will stop you from following your dreams and I am super thankful my internship helped me discover that about myself.

Here is a picture of Lake Erie after getting back from some field assessments.

This summer, I had a merchandising internship with Macy’s in New York City for 8 weeks. I was thankful to work at Macy’s main corporate office near Times Square and work on the Women’s plus size buying team. During these 8 weeks, I attended meetings, worked with data, assisted with planning, and worked on an overall group project around Macy’s company value pillars.

During this internship, I gained so much knowledge and experience not only in the industry but also around myself. Going into this internship, I had little knowledge about what a buyer was and what their day-to-day was like. After leaving this internship, I now know that I want to be a buyer after I graduate. I had such an amazing experience in this role that it really allowed me to realize I wanted to continue it. Along with the internship, just living in New York City was such an amazing experience and taught me so much. It really is the city that has everything and teaches you a lot about life after graduation.

One aspect of this internship that taught me about myself was solely the fact that it was in New York City. I am from Columbus, Ohio, and obviously went to Ohio State so I have never lived far away from home before. I applied to colleges in other cities and states but ended up going here and I am so grateful for that decision. It is just another way of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone though when you are living in a new city. I didn’t really know anyone moving to the city and all of my family and friends were well over 9 hours away. I had to learn how to adapt to that while also living in New York City. It is a busy and wonderful city to be on your own for the first time. I had to learn how to get to work, get groceries, get back home, and that all just came with trying to learn the transportation systems. While, battling so many people, traffic, and much more definitely makes it a bit overwhelming at first. Looking back now though, I’m proud of how much I explored the city and really took advantage of everything it offered.

Another aspect was my team that I had during my time at Macy’s. I loved my team from the start, they were extremely welcoming and helpful in transitioning into my position. I ended up learning so much from their career paths and they really wanted to help guide me in my future career endeavors. One of my favorite experiences this summer was visiting the companies we buy from and meeting their corporate teams. We went specifically for buying meetings which was when we saw what merchandise they were offering for a season and we chose what we wanted to sell at Macy’s. It was such a great experience going to see each of the offices and seeing how every company has a different office culture. Along with that, just being able to foster relationships with people in other areas of fashion along with different career levels was greatly beneficial.

The last aspect of this internship that taught me about myself was the other students. It was such an amazing experience being able to make friends with other college students from all over the US. Macy’s only took one or two students from each college so there was an array of students. It was a great opportunity where I was able to network and make connections with others in the business world. I now have made long-time friends with students who are all over the US. We keep in contact as we look into potential career opportunities and talk about moving to NYC together.

All these aspects really allowed me to transform myself going into my senior year. I had always had a dream of living in New York City and having an internship, and I’m proud to say that I have achieved that lifetime goal. It taught me about having confidence in myself and fostering relationships with others. Also, it allowed me to learn and transform myself to be the best candidate for a job following graduation. I am so incredibly thankful for this experience and that STEP allowed me to pursue this opportunity.

For my STEP Signature Project, I decided to pursue a certificate in phlebotomy through the Ohio School of Phlebotomy. This certification program was structured as a 7-week course consisting of lectures and lab work. Classes were held for 4 hours, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, on Mondays and Wednesdays, where 2 hours were dedicated to lectures on anatomy, standard precautions, venipuncture techniques, HIPPA, common tests, and purposes, as well blood components. The remaining 2 hours were dedicated to lab work, where students would perform AC draws, syringe draws, butterfly draws, and lancet blood collections. To pass this class, students needed to pass the final exam and final lab practical. To become a nationally certified phlebotomy technician, students needed to pass the National Healthcareer Association exam given on the last day of class. Once I passed every component, I was given a certificate from both the Ohio School of Phlebotomy and the National Healthcareer Association.

From the moment I matriculated into college, I knew I wanted to become a physician. In terms of scholastic endeavors, I had completed a lot of the unspoken medical school checklist items, including research, volunteering, leadership, extracurriculars, etc. Capability-wise, there was one barrier that I needed to overcome for the sake of my sanity in graduate school: my aversion to venipuncture. Not only did I despise getting my blood drawn, but I also hated watching other people get their blood drawn. Venipunctures are one of the most important procedures in medicine, so I needed to get over this fear in some way. After I enrolled in the STEP program, I knew this would be the perfect opportunity for some exposure therapy as well as fulfilling my need for clinical experience. I went from being completely petrified of blood draws in week one to masterfully extracting blood from my colleagues in week seven. Therefore, I learned that with time and effort, I can overcome my most intense fears and worries, I just need to have a little confidence in myself. Additionally, succeeding in this class showed me I have all the right values and traits to become an excellent doctor, I just need to maintain faith in myself.

Engaging in this class provided me with a unique opportunity to connect with individuals hailing from diverse walks of life. Each student in the course held distinct motivations for pursuing a phlebotomy certificate; some sought to secure their financial stability, while others aimed to deepen their understanding of the healthcare sector. Witnessing such vastly different reasons converge towards a shared goal was truly intriguing.
The level of dedication and focus demanded by this course was remarkably high, underscoring the fact that the journey to becoming a phlebotomist is anything but simple. This realization served as a poignant reminder that the path to success in this field requires unwavering commitment. However, it was within this pursuit of excellence that I gained a profound insight.

Through the lens of this experience, I recognized that each individual within the healthcare domain possesses inherent value. Regardless of one’s credentials or role, no one stands as superior or more significant than another. This perspective shift illuminated the intricate tapestry that is healthcare – a collaborative effort where each thread, no matter its hue, contributes indispensably to the final masterpiece.

Moreover, immersing myself in this class allowed me to appreciate the vast spectrum of aspirations and backgrounds that converge within the realm of healthcare. The aspiring professionals I encountered were a testament to the multifaceted nature of the field. Some were driven by personal necessity, while others were fueled by a thirst for knowledge. This mosaic of motivations reinforced the idea that every individual’s unique journey enhances the collective narrative of the healthcare community.

The journey I embarked on when I enrolled in the phlebotomy certification program at the Ohio School of Phlebotomy has been nothing short of transformative. As a junior in college with aspirations of becoming a physician, this certification experience has provided me with invaluable insights into the medical field, solidified my commitment to the healthcare profession, and equipped me with essential skills that will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors.

Through lectures that delved into topics ranging from anatomy and standard precautions to venipuncture techniques, HIPAA compliance, and the significance of different blood components, I was able to grasp the intricate web of knowledge that underpins this critical field. This foundational understanding has not only enhanced my academic perspective but has also deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of patient care and diagnostics.
The lab component of the program was a truly transformative experience. Engaging in actual phlebotomy procedures, from AC draws and syringe draws to butterfly draws and lancet blood collections, allowed me to translate theoretical knowledge into tangible skills. The initial nerves I felt when handling medical instruments and performing procedures were gradually replaced with a sense of competence and confidence. This transformation was particularly significant as it symbolized the shift from a theoretical observer to an active participant in the healthcare process.

Moreover, this certification experience has illuminated the importance of empathy and precision in patient interactions. Through the hands-on lab sessions, I learned not only the technical aspects of phlebotomy but also the significance of compassionate care and clear communication. I came to understand that each venipuncture is more than just a medical procedure; it’s an opportunity to ease patients’ anxiety, establish trust, and contribute to their overall well-being.

Looking ahead, this transformation holds immense value for my future aspirations as a physician. The foundational knowledge and practical skills I gained during this certification program will undoubtedly serve as a solid platform upon which I can build my medical career. As I proceed on my journey towards becoming a physician, this experience will remind me of the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to patient-centered care.

In conclusion, my certification experience in phlebotomy has been a remarkable journey of growth and self-discovery. It has shaped my understanding of the healthcare profession, cultivated my technical skills, and reinforced my dedication to making a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. The transformation I’ve undergone during these seven weeks has solidified my passion for medicine and deepened my conviction to pursue a path that allows me to contribute positively to the well-being of individuals and communities alike.

1. Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project. Write two or three sentences describing the main activities your STEP Signature Project entailed.
   1. For my STEP Signature Project, I completed an internship at Kohl’s corporate office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The internship lasted 10 weeks this summer, and I worked as an inventory analyst intern. I completed several projects with fellow interns, shadowed my coach, attended classes to learn about Kohl’s and the retail industry, and carried out several day-to-day tasks like allocations, PO tracking, and more.
2. What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project? Write one or two paragraphs to describe the change or transformation that took place.
   1. The biggest thing that changed while completing my STEP Project was my understanding of the retail industry and corporate environments. Until this summer, I had never worked in a corporate setting before, so this was a big change for me. I learned all about how companies operate at this level, and how different areas and offices work cross-functionally. I got to experience the retail industry like I never had before, and this helped shape my ideas of what I want my future to look like. I learned about the allocation and merchandising career path, as well as other areas that might interest me. This exposure was vital in helping me figure out what I want my career to look like after I graduate.
3. What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those affect you? Write three or four paragraphs describing the key aspects of your experiences completing your STEP Signature Project that led to this change/transformation.
   1. One of the biggest things during my project that impacted me was my relationships with my manager, coach, and team. My manager gave me feedback consistently and helped make my time at my internship even better. He guided me through the projects we had and was always open to any questions I would have. My manager really set the foundation base of what I can and should expect from managers in the future. My coach was with me for more of the day-to-day activities and supported me through all my tasks. Shadowing him in his role allowed me to see what my daily life would look like in that full-time position. Since he was in the entry-level role that I was interning in, it was very beneficial to be able to see the things he worked on every day. My supporting buying office team was also instrumental in my internship experience because they were able to provide me with other connections if I was interested in learning about a different area. They gave me more unbiased advice since they weren’t my direct supervisors.

Another thing that led to me getting a better understanding of the fashion industry was all the classes and support Kohl’s gave to us interns. They provided us with a variety of resources, both in and out of the workplace. A few times a week we would have classes taught by higher up management with our fellow interns. These classes would be about different areas/roles, programs, systems, or processes. These classes proved essential to giving me a more well-rounded knowledge of the fashion industry, because they filled in the details of my school class learnings.

The last key aspect of my internship that shaped what I want for my future is the company culture at Kohl’s. I believe the way that companies treat their interns and entry-level associates says a lot about to company and their values. Kohl’s treated us interns with great respect and regard, which helped form my expectations for my future employers. They emphasized having a healthy work-life balance, and that trickled down to even me as an intern. Their values aligned with mine, and this made me realize how important it is to work for a company that shares your views.

4. Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life? Write one or two paragraphs discussing why this change or development matters and/or relates to your academic, personal, and/or professional goals and future plans.
   1. This change in my understanding of the retail industry is valuable for my life because it will impact my future and professional goals. My whole experience at Kohl’s this summer was extremely beneficial for me. My supervisors and team, the classes, and the company culture at Kohl’s really stood out as the key drivers. This internship gave me an idea of what type of company I want to work for, where I want to work, what roles I’m interested in, and what I value in an employer. Having this corporate internship was extremely valuable to learning more about the fashion industry and the role I can play in it.
   2. 

My STEP project was a public accounting internship this past summer. I worked for Plante Moran at their Columbus office, which is in downtown on High St. During my internship, I worked with their assurance department working on engagement letters, programs, testing, and wrap up for various audits. While I was working at Plante Moran, I learned more about audits and their benefits and importance to the community. This helped me associate the why my career and studies matter and the big picture of providing assurance services. I was tasked with working with R&D, senior living, financial, and higher education firms. This wide variety of experiences opened my eyes to the vast scope of clients that public accounting firms work with.

A large part of conducting audits is the preparation necessary prior to performing testing. I was able to assist on around a dozen audits with their preparation work. In assisting, I was updating risk assessments, creating engagement letters, updating programs and procedures, and selecting samples that we would use during the testing state of the audit.

This summer I worked on compliance audits where we assured that companies were using grants for the appropriate expenses, and I helped with an internal audit where we tested a bank’s internal controls and helped identify areas for improvement. On these audits I was mainly tasked with testing where I looked at audit evidence that we requested from the client and looked for various things to support the assertions being tested.

Working on different part of the audit from start to finish with a variety of companies helped me understand the audit process better and understand how assurance is provided and the importance. Management, investors, creditors, and the board of directors all rely on audit work provided by public accounting firms. There is great reliance from the public on audits and the integrity of the auditors is extremely important.

Through my internship I was able to get a strong grasp on what my after-graduation day-to-day would look like working in public accounting. I learned that I really enjoyed the variety of work and clients that public accounting has to offer. This opportunity was very insightful in allowing me to test out a career in public accounting. After my internship I can confidently say that I want to start my career in public accounting.

The picture I inserted below is from the Intern Summit that Plante Moran organized. It was an event that all the interns located at offices in Ohio attended.

Over this summer, I had the opportunity to be part of the Fisher Global Consulting: Singapore program for an entire month. I worked for Colliers International, a huge real estate firm, and learned about the culture of Singapore and doing business in APAC (Asian Pacific) as a whole.

Not only was this my first official trip outside of the United States, but it was also my first time doing an in-person internship. I not only learned to grow culturally but also professionally. I remember hours before my flight to Singapore, crying in the restroom, realizing I would be leaving the people I love and my friends and family for a country across the globe where the time difference was going to be an entire 12 hours. That meant when my friends and family woke up back in Ohio, I would be going to bed. I wouldn’t have much time to FaceTime or call them – I was really going to be on my own. I cried in the airport bathroom and realized I am content not going. But of course, I had to go; this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be able to work abroad, and in Singapore, one of the highest-cost-of-living countries.

Because I purposefully chose to go to Singapore three days before the actual orientation date, I had time by myself to venture around Singapore and understand the city landscape, food, and culture. I spent the entire first day navigating the streets, the buses, and subways trying to get a local SIM card – which meant I had no means of GPS to navigate. I asked the locals. When I came up to a local elderly couple and spoke in English asking where the nearest bus station was, they said they didn’t speak English. Because I am ethnically Chinese, I got to use my Chinese skills, and they were very delighted to help me out. Navigating an entire country by myself taught me another level of independence, different from simply moving out of my mom’s house and driving an hour and a half to Ohio State, where I had students my age, professors, and roommates to help me navigate the college town. This was different – I did not know a single person here.

By the third day, I was so excelled in navigating the city street, where the Hawker centers (food courts) were, I showed the rest of my cohort the fun places to visit as they began to trickle into the country. They said it felt like they were greeting a local, I did feel at home, a different home. Because Singapore is so safe (no guns, no crime, too many rules), you can see grade school kids riding buses by themselves, ordering food in Hawker Centers and hanging around in malls. The country built a system where they gave young kids autonomy to venture out and make choices for themselves at a young age. The system was working for me too.

Then it was the first day of work at Colliers. We knew Colliers is a huge international company, but we did not know it was a HUGE company. They were located at the heart of the financial district in Marina bay where all of the tourists’ sites are. And the office situated on the 19th floor where you can see the entire city. Although my Ohio State group and I were all dressed in business professionals, we still looked like kids walking into this melting pot of a district with Australians, Indonesians, Singaporeans, and so many other people from different backgrounds all wearing ties and work dress. They looked so professional. We were welcomed by the Marketing and Communications team and were greeted by the leadership team. It felt unreal.

Later in the week, we were tasked to complete short-term, mid-term, and long-term recommendations for the company asking for improvements for their website, LinkedIn, and other marketing materials. For three weeks my team of four conducted a SWOT, PESTLE, and competitors analysis to first get a good understanding of Colliers in general and then dug into the weeds to find areas of improvement. To make sure we were on the right track, we met with the supervisor every week and connected with the leadership team to get to know about how business was conducted in Singapore and in APAC. In the end, we presented to the entire leadership team in the office with a 35-page PowerPoint slide. Colliers was pleased, I saw that the website has been updated within the recommendations we provided. And one of our supervisors said they enjoyed us so much, they are looking forward to building a relationship with students abroad and bringing in international students as interns. The leadership team took us out for dinner, and we said our goodbyes then.

Overall, there were many firsts for me during this entire trip: my first trip abroad, first internship abroad, first in-person internship, first solo trip. And I could not have learned how to problem solve and learn to become independent without going abroad. It opened my eyes to the world, realizing that life does not end outside of the States. And just learning how to adapt to an entire new place and making new friends from work, I would have to only thank this opportunity for it. When I came back to the States, I dreamed about the food and the Singapore city life multiple times. I began my search for more international experience, and changed my entire dream of settling in America, I wanted to travel more and see the world. And it was hard for other people to understand the beautiful things I saw in Singapore, and it was hard for me to understand it because it felt like a midsummer dream. But I felt so accustomed to the Singaporean culture, I can find myself going back soon.

I spent this past summer working at the Pet Clinic of Rocky Mount, a small animal veterinary clinic in my hometown of Rocky Mount, Virginia. I worked under four different veterinarians at the clinic and was able to learn a lot about my future career from them. I floated between two different positions in the clinic: kennel technician and veterinary assistant. This gave me experience and a chance to gain skills in both areas of the clinic and allowed me to get a fuller view of how it operates as a whole. As someone who is pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, my summer at the Pet Clinic of Rocky Mount helped me gain experience and knowledge that will stick with me through veterinary school and my career as a veterinarian.

I started out my summer at the Pet Clinic of Rocky Mount as a kennel technician. My main purpose in this position was to oversee the general care of the cats and dogs that were boarding at our clinic. This means that I was in charge of ensuring they all got the proper amount of food twice a day, always had fresh water, and had clean kennels and bedding. For animals that were on medication, I was responsible for ensuring they received the proper dosage as prescribed to them. Throughout my workday, I ensured that all animals were using the bathroom by taking the dogs out to the kennel yard 4 times a day and cleaning out the cat litter boxes twice a day. As a kennel technician, I interacted with the animals that were boarding the most throughout the day, which means that I was responsible for noting when an animal was acting abnormally or possibly needed medical attention. My final responsibility was to bathe and groom animals as requested by owners or if they became dirty while boarding. In all, my main responsibilities as a kennel technician at the Pet Clinic of Rocky Mount were to ensure the health and welfare of all boarding animals by performing proper husbandry techniques and monitoring them closely.

Even though my position as a kennel technician involved little medical knowledge, there are many applicable things that I learned from this position. First or foremost, I learned that taking proper care of animals is the best way to prevent them from needing medical intervention. When an animal is given proper nutrients, a clean environment, and mental stimulation, they are less likely to succumb to disease. Keeping a clean environment is especially important in the clinic setting as there is a lot of animal turnover and disease can travel fast. The two biggest lessons that being a kennel technician taught me are that I am never “too good to scoop poop” and that I should always respect my staff. No matter how advanced I get into my education, I will always remember where I started and that I am never too advanced to do the dirty work that veterinary medicine requires. Being a kennel technician is not always the most stimulating position, so I will always remember to give my appreciation to the staff that work for me when I am a veterinarian. In conclusion, being a kennel technician taught me the importance of preventative medicine as well as some important life lessons to remember once I am a veterinarian.

I am grateful that once the veterinarians I worked for saw my passion for veterinary medicine, they gave me time working in the clinic as a veterinary assistant as well. I had many more responsibilities as a veterinary assistant that aligned more closely with my career aspirations. A typical appointment that I would handle began with talking with the client and obtaining a medical history for their pet. Next, I would log this information into the computer and begin to prepare for the animal’s veterinary exam by preparing vaccinations and getting a rectal temperature and weight on the animal. When the veterinarian was ready to look at the animal, I would restrain the dog or cat for the examination and treatment if needed. Depending on what the veterinarian determined was needed after the examination, I would run laboratory tests (fecal testing, urinalyses, bloodwork, etc.) or fill prescriptions with the prescribed medications. On days where we had surgeries, I would assist in monitoring the animals post-operation to ensure their recovery and eventual discharge back to their owners.

I can safely say that my knowledge of the veterinary field grew immensely during my job as a veterinary assistant. I thoroughly enjoyed the clinic setting, and seeing the veterinarians do their job and explain their reasoning was incredible. My favorite part was seeing them problem solve and use diagnostic techniques to figure out what was wrong with an animal and come up with a treatment plan. This is something I am excited to do in my career. The role that veterinarians play in the lives of animals was very clear to me from the beginning, but something that shocked me was seeing how big of a role veterinarians play in the lives of humans. While interacting with people can have its challenges, one aspect of veterinary medicine that is extremely rewarding is helping people by caring for their animals. In all, the veterinary assistant aspect of my job was extremely exciting for me as it provided me with a bigger perspective of the role of the veterinary profession.

To conclude, the Pet Clinic of Rocky Mount provided me with many opportunities to grow my knowledge in the field of veterinary medicine and confirm that it is a career that I am determined to pursue. I still have so much to learn, but it is encouraging to know that I already have so much excitement for this career and how rewarding it can be. I am extremely grateful to STEP and the staff of the Pet Clinic of Rocky Mount for making this internship possible for me.