My STEP Project was centered around my internship this summer with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company in the Financial Services industry. I was in the Columbus office for 4 weeks and online at home for 8 weeks during the internship. During this internship, my responsibilities included networking with professionals at the company, learning the different business units (Life, Annuities, Retirement, Customer Solutions), and participating in professional development through our intern programming. I used funds from STEP to help pay for groceries, gas, clothes, and other miscellaneous expenses during the 12-week internship.
My 12-week internship with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company was a transformative experience that profoundly altered my worldview and self-perception. Prior to this opportunity, I viewed the corporate world through a somewhat narrow lens, believing it to be driven solely by profit motives. However, my time at Nationwide exposed me to a corporate culture deeply rooted in social responsibility and ethical decision-making. Witnessing the company’s commitment to community engagement, environment sustainability, and employee well-being broadened my perspective on the role businesses can play in creating positive social change. This newfound understanding has not only shifted my career aspirations but has also inspired me to actively seek out opportunities where I can align my personal values with my professional pursuits.
Additionally, the internship allowed me to discover previously untapped facets of my own abilities and potential. I had the chance to collaborate with a diverse and talented team engaging in projects that pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged my problem-solving skills. The support and mentorship I received from my manager at Nationwide empowered me to recognize my strengths and develop a newfound sense of confidence in my abilities. This experience has not only enriched my self-esteem but has also motivated me to continually seek out opportunities for growth and self-improvement as I embark on my future career path. Overall, my internship at Nationwide has been a pivotal chapter in my personal and professional journey.
During my summer internship with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company in the Financial Services Department, I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in a dynamic and innovative work environment. One of the highlights of my internship was the project I worked on, which focused on enhancing leadership competencies in a virtual work environment. In a rapidly changing world, this project was particularly relevant, and I was tasked with researching and implementing strategies to improve the leadership skills and effectiveness of teams working remotely. I interviewed over 60 leaders at the company, worked with HR to collect data and send out surveys, and conducted outside market research. I also had weekly touchpoints with my manager and her team. This experience allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and solutions associated with virtual leadership, which will undoubtedly be invaluable in today’s evolving workspace landscape.
Another aspect of my internship that enriched my professional growth was the networking opportunities I had with leaders and executives nationwide. I had the privilege of engaging in insightful conversations, attending leadership seminars, and participating in mentorship programs. We also had the opportunity to meet with the COO and his executive team. These interactions allowed me to gain valuable insights into the insurance industry and the intricacies of leading a large-scale organization. I found that the willingness of Nationwide’s leaders to invest in the development of young talent was truly inspiring, and it motivated me to strive for excellence in my career so that I can give back as they have.
Furthermore, I was an integral part of a dedicated team focused on analyzing the performance metrics and analytics of the customer service center. This experience helped me sharpen my data analysis and problem-solving skills, as we worked together to identify trends, optimize processes, and enhance the overall customer service experience. Being part of a collaborative team allowed me to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios and witness the tangible impact of our efforts. Overall, my summer internship at Nationwide showed me the good that big corporations can do and showed me that I am capable of so much. It truly helped me break out of my comfort zone and show my passion for the financial service industry. I learned so much about business and myself and cannot wait to carry that into the future.
The change and experience that I got from my internship this Summer are incredibly valuable for my life both personally and professionally. On a personal level, this internship provided a platform for personal growth and development. Networking with leaders and executives not only exposed me to different leadership styles but also helped me build strong professional relationships. These connections will be invaluable as I progress in my career, as they have the potential to provide mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for personal development. I also really broke out of my comfort zone and became more comfortable taking on leadership roles and speaking with others.
Professionally, the internship was directly aligned with my career aspirations in the financial services industry. Working on a project that focused on improving the customer service center’s analytics and performance metrics allowed me to gain practical experience in a critical area of this field. I also learned so much through my project on leadership in the virtual environment. The skills I acquired, such as data analytics, problem-solving, and teamwork, are directly transferable to future roles within the industry. Additionally, the insights gained into the insurance sector through the internship will serve as a strong foundation for my professional endeavors in financial services. This internship was a valuable stepping stone toward my academic, personal, and professional goals. It provided me with practical experience, networking opportunities, and industry insights necessary to excel in my chosen field and work towards achieving my long-term goals.