- Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project.
My STEP signature project was a 10 week internship with the Milwaukee Bucks. I was a customer data intern, where I was assisting their digital marketing and analytics teams. My main activities consisted of analyzing marketing campaigns to increase ticket revenue sales in the pre season and assisting in additional campaign ideas.
- What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project?
During the course of my internship, my understanding of myself and my perspective on the world underwent a transformative shift. As I delved into real-world projects and collaborated with diverse teams, I realized the depth of my capabilities and the importance of adaptability. Initially, I held certain assumptions about the rigidity of processes and the linear nature of problem-solving. Yet, the dynamic and constantly changing characteristics of the professional environment dismantled these prior assumptions. This internship experience not only refined my technical skills but also taught me the value of open-mindedness, effective communication, and the constant pursuit of knowledge. As I move forward, I carry with me a newfound understanding of my own potential and a more nuanced worldview that is shaped by diverse perspectives and continuous learning.
- 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?
The first activity that I dove into for my internship taught me the constant pursuit of knowledge and how the ever changing world affects the workplace. I was assigned to create and deploy five SMS campaigns to drive retail sales. The SMS platform was completely new to the company and had just finished its free trial. I was assigned to research the most effective way these messages can drive sales and what other platforms other NBA teams were using. This taught me how important it is to stay up with marketing trends in the workplace and to maximize revenue through many different channels.
The other major transformation I experienced was the importance of adaptability and working with diverse teams. I was assigned to create reports that required the help from both teams that I worked with. It was important to stay in communication about what was expected from both teams and adapt to their unique dynamics, goals, and working styles. I also observed the importance of communication through the entire marketing department and how they all work as one unit. The department had semi-weekly meetings to discuss their goals and make sure they were all on one page. I learned that even though each team has different tasks they all need to operate as one and can get new ideas from each other.
I was also required to volunteer weekly at local organizations around Milwaukee. This shaped my perspective on the world in multifaceted ways. I encountered diverse cultures, backgrounds, and circumstances I would not have encountered otherwise. This exposure cultivated empathy and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by various communities around me. I participated in Riverkeeper, which embraced the importance of keeping the Milwaukee River clean and how it affects the whole community around it. I also participated in the local food bank and worked with young kids around the community. All in all, this experience instilled an appreciation for the interconnectedness of the Milwaukee and global community.
Lastly, I had the opportunity to go on sponsorship tours. This required visiting many companies that sponsor the Bucks and viewing their facilities. This opened my eyes to the many different industries in the workplace and explored my interests. I also had the ability to interact with individuals from different backgrounds and industries, which broadened my network and enhanced my understanding of how the Bucks and my internship operated.
- Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life?
Each transformation I acquired holds immense value in many facets of my life. The skills I learned will equip me to navigate challenges and opportunities in my personal endeavors. They will give me a large network to continue my career in sports and hopefully land a full time job after graduation. These transformations also gave me so many skills I can continue to use in my first corporate job. Along with these skills, outside of work, the exposure to diverse perspectives and the global intricacies gained during the internship broaden my understanding of the world. This broader worldview enriches my interactions with people from various backgrounds and helps me engage in more discussions with societal issues. I especially can relate to this as this was the first time I moved out of Ohio for any amount of time and lived completely by myself. The knowledge gained from staying updated with industry trends and the importance of continuous learning also strengthens my commitment to self-improvement and lifelong education. Ultimately, the transformations fostered by my internship serve as a compass guiding me toward holistic personal growth. They empower me to adapt to changing circumstances, contribute positively to my community, and approach life’s challenges with a combination of open-mindedness and resourcefulness. These changes will continue to be valuable as I start my search for my first full time job.
