- Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project. Write two or three sentences describing the main activities your STEP Signature Project entailed.
My step project was my summer internship working for General Motors
in Detroit. The grant helped me pay for my rent/expenses and live in a city I
had never experienced. It also helped me to have the ability to work in person, which was very important to me.
- 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.
I understood what was important regarding work location, environment, and work-life balance. Living in Detroit, I learned much about what I look for in a city. Although I liked the city of Detroit, I realized I may not want to live there if I were to go back full-time. I grew up just south of Boston, and there were a lot of differences between the two cities. Detroit wasn’t as condensed and lively as I would’ve hoped for. Living in the suburbs of Detroit is a more social environment that offers restaurants, a younger population, etc., so I would most likely live in this region full-time if I we
re to move to Michigan in the future.
I also learned that I strive for a social city and a life outside of work. I found myself constantly wanting to do activities after work, and this has to be something a city or suburb that I will live in offers.
Additionally, my project helped me understand that I love to work in person. I worked hybrid this summer, and the times in the office were more enjoyable than remote. I look to be in-person in my career in the future, and this is something I would only have gotten to know about myself if I lived in Detroit.
- 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.
One of the best moments of the summer was the yacht networking event we had with the interns and executives of the company. During this four-hour event, I met segment CFOs, directors, managers, a
nd the company’s CFO. Being in person let me have this experience and make connections that will help me in the future.
When I explored Detroit, I met with many interns and people who lived in the suburbs and realized that this suited my personality and interests. Meeting people in different areas of Michigan ma
de me know I was missing something from only living in downtown Detroit. Additionally, we had an event based in the suburban region, which made me realize that it was a place I could see myself living. Having these opportunities to explore different areas of Michigan that all offer something unique – made me understand what I truly look for in a residence.
Working in the office was big for me. The second week I was in the offic
e, my team had a picnic where we got to play yard games, eat food, and get to know each other. This isn’t anything I could’ve gotten if I were remote. This in-person interaction with my team made me better understand everyone and enhanced my work experience. The closer I was to my team, the more I looked forward to enterin
g the office.
On the last day of my internship, my team set up a going away lunch for me. Talking with everyone on my team, face-to-face, was meaningful to me. These aren’t experiences that you can have with someone over the computer. Being able to laugh with each other and engage in fluent conversations with your team was something I did not take for granted.
My STEP Project benefited me greatly, and I’m delighted it allowed me to have a much more meaningful summer.
- 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.
This change was significant for my life for several reasons. First, it helped me realize what I truly value in the work environment regarding in-person interactions. Next, I now understand how important location is for me. I want to be in an area that is more condensed and has activities around me, such as hiking, trying new restaurants,
etc. Also, I work best when I am in person. I was always excited to go into the office and catch up with my coworkers. Working in the office made me work much harder and motivated me to be more productive. These experiences benefited me immensely, and these key takeaways from my project wouldn’t have been possible without the gran
t I received. After having such a positive experience with STEP, I now am an ambassador for the program to tell others how beneficial and impactful the program is to an undergrad.
