My STEP project was an internship that I completed throughout the summer and school year. I worked as a Finance Intern at the Department of Development. I did various projects such as budgeting, managing a contractor, and assisting in daily procedures. 

The biggest transformation I experienced was learning my way around a professional setting. There are lots of unspoken rules or almost hidden meanings behind things. For example, there are “corporate” phrases that people use that are not always exactly what they mean, but, rather, a professional way to get a harsher point across. There is also a certain way I learned to conduct myself regarding tough conversations, promotions, and discussions about pay. I also learned how to evade office gossip which was very important to do within a professional setting. These are not situations school taught me to navigate and understand, but a transformation I experienced while working. I now feel better equipped to handle workplace situations. 

I experienced another transformation that seems common, shifting from a school environment to a work environment. In school, I am always given my assignments. At work, there are times I actually have to seek out more work. This was a new phenomena for me and something I had to learn to do. I learned what the balance of a work load should be and how to communicate whether I needed less or more work to my supervisors. 

I had a friend apply for a job at my company and I wanted to vouch for him, but I did not know at what point I should say something. Before an interview? After an interview? I didn’t know. I asked my mom and a trusted coworker how to navigate this and learned it was my role to help him get an interview, and the rest was up to him. 

In the first few weeks of my internship, my workload was very slow and I had to ask for more. However, my supervisors were not aware of what all I could handle, so I had to learn to communicate constantly when I needed more to do. 

These changes will help me in the workplace in the future. They also taught me it is acceptable to ask questions, especially as an intern. Asking questions actually shows initiative and interest. My supervisors know that I am new to the workplace, and they were always happy to help. Learning these new skills will help me with different coworkers in the future as well as allowing myself to not know things, which is something I don’t think is as common in academia. People constantly are trying to prove themselves, and while that is partially true in a workplace, I think it is more accepted.

I served as a Marketing Intern at Freeda Media in Milan, Italy for my STEP Signature Project. My main activities involved working on a team of four people to conduct a comprehensive competitor analysis for the UK and US markets and developing a survey to gain deeper insights into the UK market.

Completing my STEP Signature Project profoundly transformed my understanding of myself, my assumptions, and my worldview. I discovered a newfound confidence in my ability to adapt to new environments and work collaboratively with diverse teams. Initially, I assumed that my lack of international experience might hinder my performance, but I quickly learned that my unique perspectives were valuable assets. This experience also broadened my view of the media and marketing industries, showcasing the importance of cultural nuances and the dynamic nature of global markets.

Several key experiences during my internship at Freeda Media led to these transformative changes. First, the process of conducting the UK and US competitor analyses required deep dives into unfamiliar markets, pushing me to understand and appreciate different business strategies and market dynamics. This task improved my research skills and taught me to approach problems with a global mindset, considering various cultural and economic factors.

Secondly, collaborating with my team of four people, each from a different background, was instrumental in reshaping my understanding of teamwork and communication. Our diverse perspectives often led to lively discussions, where I learned the importance of active listening and open-mindedness. These interactions highlighted how different viewpoints can lead to more innovative and effective solutions.

Additionally, creating the survey for the UK market required direct interaction with potential consumers, which highlighted the importance of effective communication in marketing. Crafting clear and compelling questions was essential to elicit meaningful responses. This experience demonstrated how precise language and thoughtful question design can significantly impact the quality of data collected, ultimately influencing the success of marketing strategies

Finally, living and working in Milan, a city renowned for its cultural richness and business innovation, was an enriching experience that extended beyond the professional realm. Immersing myself in a new culture helped me develop greater cultural sensitivity and adaptability, qualities that are crucial in today’s interconnected world.

The transformation I experienced during my STEP Signature Project is significant for several reasons. Academically, the skills and insights I gained have already begun to inform my studies in marketing and business, providing real-world context to theoretical concepts. This practical experience will undoubtedly enhance my academic performance and understanding.

On a personal level, the confidence and adaptability I developed have positively influenced how I approach new challenges and opportunities. I now feel more prepared to step out of my comfort zone and embrace diverse experiences, knowing that I can thrive in unfamiliar environments.

Professionally, this transformation is invaluable as I potentially pursue a career in marketing. The ability to conduct thorough market analyses, work effectively in diverse teams, and empathize with consumers are critical skills in this field. Furthermore, my experience at Freeda Media has reinforced my interest in working for globally-oriented companies, where I can leverage my international experience and cross-cultural understanding. This project has not only shaped my career aspirations but also equipped me with the tools to achieve them.

1.) My STEP Signature Project was a non-profit consulting trip through Fisher to support the Huay Pakkoot Elephant Foundation near Chiang Mai, Thailand. Through this program, I worked on tangible digital marketing, mostly through Instagram and their website, to promote the foundation’s homestays and offerings.

2.) This trip completely changed my outlook on myself and transformed how I view people around the world. I genuinely believe that this has been one of the most impactful experiences in my life. The accommodations we stayed in were modest to say the least. In the village where I stayed, the electricity and water went out often. There was no accessible WiFi or convenience store within a one-hour radius. With that being said, we were so spoiled compared to the villagers who lived there; I am pretty sure our accommodation in the village was the only place with a running toilet and shower water. It was so interesting watching these people live their lives so beautifully, even without the “Western accommodations” that we take for granted every day.

3.) Two specific moments from this trip stick out to me as the most impactful and memorable. The first was our first hike to take data on the gibbons in the forests of Northern Thailand. I had actually seen gibbons about a week before that at the Columbus Zoo. They were cool, but nothing anything particularly fascinating at the time.

I didn’t know what to expect on the gibbon hike. We sat on the side of a mountain for about 30 minutes before we started to hear them call. I would have never guessed that that sound would have come from an ape, it sounded more like an interesting bird call. About 5 minutes after that, I saw movement in the trees, and then a small brown primate face flinging himself in the tops of the trees. I felt like a little kid. I don’t think I have been so excited about something since I was seven years old on Christmas morning. I pointed him out to the program coordinator, and we both started laughing. It was the coolest thing.

The second impactful moment I had on this trip wasn’t on the trip itinerary. It is interesting how sometimes the small, day-to-day moments have such a big impact. On this day, we had just finished project group work and I went to grab a smoothie with some of the other participants. While at the shop I saw a little boy across the street looking at us with a plastic bowl on his head and playing in the dirt with a straw. I walked outside, and he ran up, took off his bowl hat, and gave it to me along with a string he found on the road. We played “cooking” (I think?) for a while before he started giggling and chasing me around. He was the happiest kid I’ve ever seen. His toys were a bowl, a straw, and a string. The moment just really allowed me to reflect on my own life and consumption of “things”. I feel like I typically play this never-ending game with myself that says, “If I have this, I’ll be happy,” which never ends up being fulfilling. The kids, and the people, in the village, were so inspiring.

4.) I have always been passionate about helping others, even if it came at my own expense. That probably sounds cliché, but it is the one thing that makes me feel fulfilled. When coming to Ohio State, and especially Fisher, I felt the need to go into some Big Four corporate company because that is what classes typically push, and that is what every student says they want to do. I always had an interest in non-profit, sustainable business, and/or social enterprise work, but the response I would always get was, “So you don’t want to make any money?” so I let the idea slip to the wayside. I am eternally grateful that I had this trip to experience possibilities of work beyond “Corporate America.” For the first time, I felt like I was surrounded by like-minded people who shared the same out-of-the-ordinary ideas that I have.

As a result of this trip, I am debating on adding an EEDs minor to focus on sustainability and conservation. This would add an extra semester of schooling, and I would never have thought about addingit before this trip, but I have discovered it and find it fascinating.

1. The STEP project I participated in was an internship at Simlat Inc., a leading provider of innovative, next generation training solutions for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).  As a product manager intern, I helped to bridge the gap between the company’s products and our American clients/prospective clients. The tasks I handled included site visits to one of our biggest partners, Sinclair Community College, and their UAS department to educate and train their team on various Simlat UAS training softwares, as well as brainstorm potential new softwares that they and other clients could benefit from. In addition, I improved Simlat’s current marketing materials to widen their reach and was a main point of contact for various companies interested in collaboration with Simlat. 
2. Prior to beginning my internship, I did not feel very confident in my ability to work with other professionals in a technical field, and was worried that as a young woman engineer, my ideas and work would not be taken seriously. As I reflect on my internship now, I am able to recognize a major growth of confidence in myself as both a person and an engineer, and feel comfortable approaching new internships and experiences in the professional world. In addition, my outlook on my future as a female engineer has changed in a positive way, as I have learned to feel comfortable in uncomfortable situations, such as being the only woman in a room and still choosing to speak up for myself in order to have my ideas heard. 
3. An experience that I gained during this internship was attending the I/ITSEC Modeling and Simulation Conference in Orlando in November 2023. I attended this conference with Simlat’s president and was responsible for running Simlat’s booth in a trade show designed to find new and existing clients for partnerships and collaboration. 

   Before attending this conference, I was very apprehensive to attend. Many of the participants and show-goers in this conference were highly ranked military personnel and/or defense companies with professionals who have been in the UAS/Modeling and Simulation field for many years. I felt as though I lacked the professional experience required for this type of event and would not be able to confidently communicate with potential clients. However, as the conference progressed, I felt my confidence grow exponentially and was able to secure several international clients through discussions and demonstrations. 

   Another experience I was able to have during this internship was directly assisting in a professional research literature review, which was contracted out to Simlat by Sinclair College as an official Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) project. This project required me to work directly with Sinclair’s UAS research team, as well as an international drone company and another university. My responsibilities for this project included creating an outline and timeline for the literature review portion, as well as reviewing research on the UAS market and writing several sections of the paper, to be turned in to the FAA for official review. 

   These experiences forced me to come out of my comfort zone and find that I was able to communicate and form connections with many different people and professionals. In addition, I was able to see firsthand how much of an impact I was able to make as an intern for not only my Simlat team, but for various other companies and groups, which instilled in me a new confidence I never thought I’d have. 

4. The confidence I have gained from my internship experience in the last year has allowed me to expand the scope of what my future career and goals looks like, as I have developed new interests in fields/topics I never thought I’d be able to pursue.  Upon completing my internship I decided to add a Robotics and Autonomous Systems minor to my degree so that I could continue learning about the principles that created Simlat and were used throughout my internship. 

   Overall, my internship experience I was able to pursue because of STEP has given me a newfound sense of confidence that I have carried with me through both my personal life and work/school. My outlook on myself as a person and an engineer have changed for the better, and I can now confidently say that I truly look forward to my career as an engineer because of this internship experience. 

I/ITSEC Conference, Orlando 2023

I/ITSEC Conference, Orlando 2023

Simlat Main Office in Petach Tikvah, Israel

1.  This internship lasted from January to April of 2024 for about 8 hours per week. The day-to-day activities included handling administrative tasks for REACH training on campus. This involved preparing materials for the training and communicating with the trainers for pick up and return. This internship also offered opportunities to work and represent the program at RUOK Day, The Out of the Darkness Walk, and the Involvement Fair. There were also weekly staff meetings to understand the work of every employee at the program and learn as much as possible about suicide prevention.

2. This internship has changed me to believe that I can be a leader for my community especially with discussing and spreading knowledge about difficult topics such as suicide. I felt that through representing OSUSPP as a student at events, I could connect with others on our passion for suicide prevention. I started working on my transformation as a leader when creating my goals with the assistant director during my first week. The goals involve growth in knowledge, skill, and personal development. My knowledge goal was to learn as much as I could about suicide prevention at OSU and about other trainings outside of OSU. My skill goal was to learn how to be a leader, while also being empathetic to others. My personal development goal was working on being vulnerable while also developing as a leader as this was never a strength of mine. 

Through this internship, I realized that when speaking on a sensitive topic such as suicide, it is easy to be empathetic while leading others. This is not a company where you feel that strength and power are essential to display when being a leader, which is ultimately a stereotype. I learned how to be a leader through immersion in the experience. You can’t prepare for it besides ensuring you have a solid knowledge about the topic of discussion and what you are advocating for. When you have a passion for what you are doing, it becomes exciting to lead others to the help they need or the help others need. You can feel the difference you are making even if you cannot witness it directly! Just participating in these events was enough to know I was accomplishing the goals I set during that first week. 

3. I spent the beginning of the internship researching and learning as much about suicide prevention at Ohio State as I could. I believed that with a solid knowledge of the program and what it does to help students, this was the best way I could spread awareness about suicide prevention. I researched different suicide prevention trainings utilized in Ohio, and I also researched the difference between empathy and sympathy to ensure I correctly went about leading others. I decided to take these actions after I set the three goals I mentioned in the previous response. These gave me the motivation to research, and become the best leader I could during my time at OSUSPP. 

I spent a large portion of my internship facilitating REACH bin materials for the Ohio State REACH trainings on campus. I consistently communicated with students, staff, and faculty at OSU to ensure materials were prepared for each training. This increased my organizational skills and responsibility for deadlines. Each week, I also attended staff meetings, and bi-weekly internship meetings with the assistant director. Staff meetings helped me gain a vast knowledge about what each staff member was accomplishing at the program, and I also had reports prepared for each one. Internship meetings involved knowledge building around suicide prevention, helping with projects, and preparation for leading events. 

The event I felt made the most impact and had the most influence on me was the annual Out of the Darkness Walk on April 5th. I was granted the opportunity to livestream the walk for Ohio State’s branch campuses and all those who couldn’t participate in the walk, but attended the event. I felt like I was able to be a leader in presenting the walk, and I finally experienced the feeling of myself making a difference for others. I also represented the program at their other spring semester events, which are the Involvement Fair and RUOK? Day. At the Involvement Fair it is the first leadership opportunity for interns. We spread information about what the program is working to accomplish and how students can become involved in suicide prevention efforts. RUOK? Day is where many different student organizations, Statewide organizations, and companies working on suicide prevention efforts come together as resources for people at OSU. I not only got to work the table for our program, but I also got the opportunity to network with others about what could come next for me in suicide prevention. 

Interns are also expected the complete a legacy project at the end of their experience to leave something influential with the program and relate to the intern’s passion for suicide prevention. I was drawn to the idea of spreading information on what the program does for our Ohio State Community because I had never heard of it previous to the internship. All of the staff at OSUSPP work diligently every day to gain more insight through research on how they can help students, veterans, graduate students, and faculty. Without their efforts, would have fewer prevention techniques, fewer REACH trainings, and fewer lives would be saved. I produced a short video that showcased what everyone at OSUSPP accomplishes daily and their passion for participating in the Out of the Darkness Walk. This project taught me about marketing techniques and the precision behind producing a short video. I achieved significant growth in the skills of responsibility, empathy, leadership, and attention to detail.

4. This opportunity was so influential for me and my future because it helped me experience two different career paths I may take on my journey all at once. This program is also a business. It involves daily office work and administration to create the difference of advocating for those on campus. I am a psychology major and a business minor. I have an interest in organizational psychology and operations management, but I also have an interest in mental health counseling. The events gave me an idea of what it feels like to help others in need of help in the mental health field. The daily office work helped me get a feel for what it may feel like working in a job like human resources. Though, this internship did not bring me to a decision on a career choice, it did help me get an idea of which job I might be good at. The most important thing I realized is that leadership is needed and is a critical skill to hold for either career choice. I am proud of what I accomplished, and I do feel like a stronger leader now that I have ended my internship. I get to bring the skills I learned at OSUSPP to my next internship experience as a Human Resources Partner Intern. I will always have a passion for suicide prevention efforts as well, and I will be a part of Ohio State’s PROS next year to continue to make a difference for those at OSU. 

1. During my project, I interned in a cancer research lab within the OSU College of Pharmacy. My primary role was as an undergraduate research assistant. I performed tasks such as genotyping mice and western blotting.
2. I went into the internship with lots of self-doubt. Not only was the research being conducted in the lab very important and impactful, it was also incredibly confusing to me. At the time, I had not yet taken any microbiology or molecular genetics classes and I felt way out of my comfort zone. When the PI explained tasks to me I was unable to understand much of the terminology and I often questioned whether I was qualified to be in the position. As time went on, I began to get more comfortable with the staff in the lab and the procedures. It took many weeks before I could perform simple tasks like genotyping by myself. However, as I learned and grew, I gained tons of confidence and realized that just because something seems overwhelming and confusing doesn’t mean that with time I cannot understand it. Eventually, I was genotyping up to 20 mice at a time with little to no error or contamination. This theme of feeling like an imposter was crucial to my understanding of my feelings toward my future as I work towards a future in the medical field.
3. When I first entered the lab, I knew no one. I felt isolated and like an idiot in a room full of geniuses. Eventually, I met a grad student named Jack. He worked hands-on with me to help me understand the mechanics behind my genotyping. When I first learned the procedure, I focused on just replicating what my PI had shown me as closely as possible, even though I didn’t understand why I was doing certain things. Jack helped me learn exactly what was happening on a molecular level during parts like PCR. Over time, things made more and more sense and I gained a ton of confidence in my skill set. Having someone who was a relatable and similar age to me also helped me feel much more accepted. He also expressed how everyone constantly feels in over their head in the research field and you will never understand everything.

Not only did I know next to nothing about the research I was doing, I also had little understanding of the field of research itself. My PI was very friendly and worked with me at a slow pace. I was nervous at first asking questions about the structure of the lab and administration and sounding dumb. Regardless, my PI still answered my questions with respect and gave me invaluable insight into the field of research. She explained the structure of the lab as well as her responsibilities of reporting to the head of the lab and how the lab garnered funds. She also explained her background and how she got to the position she is at now. Even though I want to go to medical school, not pharmacy school, the requirements are similar and I gained a lot of insight into activities I should participate in to gain experience and get to where I want.

Eventually, I was listed as a contributor on a publication. This process made me aware of how intense research is in the medical field and how many checks one must go through. I gained a massive application for the process and it helped me understand how all foundations of science, no matter how accepted and simple they may seem now, went through an extremely intense process of reviews and trials to get to where it is now. This contributed to me wanting to be more thorough in all aspects of my life and school work. To be a successful doctor, you must be methodical and hypervigilant at all times, just like the researchers I met.

4. This experience has been super valuable. Not only did I gain tons of knowledge about genetics and biology, but I also gained experience that will be invaluable in my journey to becoming a doctor. Research is a critical aspect of applying to medical school and now I have an entire year of experience in a well-respected lab. Also, I got a publication that will aid my application and show my commitment to the lab. The most valuable part of this experience, however, is the connections I made. The PI and other grad students were so friendly and nice to get to know. They taught me so much about the field and I am very grateful. The PI of the lab is writing me a letter of recommendation which will go a long way in helping me enter medical school.

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.

My STEP signature project was an internship. I had a co-op with the medical device company Ethicon (part of Johnson and Johnson) in Cincinnati, Ohio. During this time, I was on the cost savings team as a development co-op and worked on various cost savings projects.

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.

I grew much as a person through my time at Ethicon. I gained confidence, I learned much about engineering, where I want my career to go, and my strengths and weaknesses. Going into the co-op I had much anxiety about doing well enough. I now know that I’m capable and that I will figure things out with time and effort. Ethicon taught me much about the engineering process and how it is accomplished such as the importance of statistics or how to approach different types of issues/projects. I also learned that I would love to go into the medical device industry after college as I feel fulfillment from working with this life saving technology. Lastly, I feel I know more about how I react in tough situations and feel much more prepared to use my strengths and support myself where I have weaknesses.

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.

The first day of my co-op I stepped into an unfamiliar environment. I was out of my comfort zone. I was hearing about unknown words and meeting a completely new set of people. Stepping into a new environment like that has been the catalyst for the positive changes I experience during this time. I was quickly supported by the team at Ethicon and was taught the basics of the business and how things work.

Although I was supported, I had to grow on my own. I was given my own project to own and complete. I was concerned I was not fit to be able to accomplish this goal and that I was in over my head. Everyone around me was incredibly smart and talented and I felt like I had no idea what I was doing. I took some steps back and focused on the task at hand. Through hard work, my own development, and support from my team, I eventually finished this project that I owned. Looking back on this gives my confidence in my own abilities to adapt to new situations and make the most of difficult challenges. This project, along with my other responsibilities, taught me valuable engineering skills by working with medical devices and learning about their requirements and functions.

Another important catalyst for change for me was hearing about the impact of these devices. During my time at Ethicon, I was able to talk to experienced engineers about their time at Ethicon. The most impactful of these was a discussion about how the newest version of a device saved many lives as it was much more effective. Learning about how my work could potentially save so many brought me new determination to be a great engineer that hopefully works in the medical device industry.

After going through the challenges of a new and difficult environment, I feel like I had a great success. I helped with many projects, met many people, made new friends, and felt like Ethicon could be a great company to go back to someday. These challenges helped improved my engineering skillset and my personal strength.

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.

This change has been incredibly significant to my life. Academically, I have more purpose with my schooling and want to learn to be a better engineer, and not just finish my classes for a degree. Personally, I feel way more confidence in myself, I met new friends who I hope to stay in touch with, and I have more pride in myself. In terms of my professional goals and future plans, I am now pursuing a future co-op role at Ethicon for the Summer of 2025 and would love to work at Ethicon full time.

At this lobbying firm, I worked on a variety of projects during this internship. These projects included legislative monitoring, research and reporting; drafting of testimony; event planning, promotion, and staffing; membership marketing for trade associations through direct mail, e-mail, and social media; and drafting and placement of opinion pieces for publication.

I learned how to operate in a corporate workplace. I learned how to dress, how to compose myself, how to use different softwares, and what goes into the day to day life of a lobbyist. I now have a new job, and this position fully equipped me with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in new roles and environments.

The people with whom I worked were extremely influential to my personal growth. I loved the people I worked with: both fellow interns and bosses. They truly wanted everyone in the office to grow.

One of the activities that I enjoyed most was learning how to cold-call constituents. I feel as though it is an extremely important skill to have.  I was certainly nervous to do it at first, but I got used to it, and I will take that skill with me.

Another “event” that was helpful was learning how to dress in a professional environment.  We would have casual Fridays which was also a new culture to learn about.  I had to dress business casual on the day-to-day and oftentimes business professional for events.  This skill and new wardrobe will be helpful in the future.

Professionally, this experience helped me land my current job.  Without this STEP project, I would not have known how to compose myself at important meetings in person and via Zoom.  I am happy to have had professional experience before entering the workforce.

During my STEP Signature Project, I participated in an internship at Crowe LLP, a prominent public accounting firm, where I served as a federal tax intern. Throughout the internship, I collaborated with diverse teams on multifaceted projects, primarily concentrating on converting book income into taxable income by leveraging IRS allowable deductions. My responsibilities involved meticulous analysis and application of tax regulations to optimize deductions and ensure compliance with federal tax laws. Overall, it was an excellent start to my career in public accounting.

Through my STEP Signature Project at Crowe LLP, I underwent a significant transformation in my perception of my own capabilities and potential. Prior to my internship, I held certain assumptions about my abilities as an aspiring accountant and a member of the professional workforce in general, doubting whether I possessed the skills necessary to excel in a professional setting. I could do well at the accounting coursework, but how effectively would that translate into demonstrable skills? However, as I immersed myself in the intricacies of tax analysis and collaborated with experienced professionals, I gained confidence in my abilities and realized the extent of my aptitude for complex problem-solving. This experience challenged my assumptions and reshaped my view of myself as a competent individual capable of making meaningful contributions in the field of tax accounting.

During my internship at Crowe LLP, several key experiences contributed to my transformative journey. Firstly, the daily interactions with seasoned professionals and leaders provided me with invaluable mentorship and guidance. Engaging with them in discussions, receiving feedback on my work, and witnessing their approach to complex tax issues instilled in me a newfound confidence and belief in my abilities. Their encouragement and support helped me overcome self-doubt and embrace challenges with a proactive mindset.

Secondly, the collaborative nature of the internship fostered an environment where I could learn from my peers and leverage their insightful perspectives. Working alongside fellow interns and team members on challenging projects allowed me to appreciate the value of teamwork and collaboration in achieving common goals. Through these interactions, I gained a deeper understanding of my strengths and weaknesses, as well as the importance of communication and cooperation in navigating professional tasks.

Furthermore, the hands-on nature of the projects I worked on during my internship was instrumental in my transformation. Being entrusted with real-world tax analysis tasks, such as converting book income into taxable income through IRS allowable deductions such as depreciation, forced me to apply practical knowledge to actual situations. This experiential learning approach not only deepened my understanding of tax principles but also reinforced my problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities. As I successfully tackled each challenge, my confidence grew, and I began to see myself as a capable and resourceful future professional.

This change and transformation that occurred during my internship are immensely significant for my life, as they have fundamentally reshaped my outlook and bolstered my confidence in pursuing my academic and professional goals. The newfound belief in my abilities and the realization of my potential as an accountant have instilled within me a sense of purpose and direction. As I continue my academic journey and pursue further opportunities in the field of accounting, this transformation will serve as a solid foundation upon which I can build and develop further.

For my STEP project, I worked at Plante Moran as a tax intern from January through April. I prepared individual and business taxes to get a grasp on what a career in accounting would look like. Throughout the internship, I learned a lot about the company and the different career paths you can take as an accountant.

This project had a big impact on helping me decide which direction I want to take my career in. I learned a lot about myself and what I want in my future. With this being my first internship, I came into this wanting to get real world experience and to see what a day-to-day would look like. I got so much more out of this experience. I learned the importance of networking and building connections, the importance of company values, and opening myself up to new opportunities.

I had a few interactions that led me to better understand my goals for the future. During my internship, I was able to network with a lot of people. Plante Moran sent all their intern and new hires to Denver for onboarding. While there, I was able to become close with my coworkers, which set a good foundation for the rest of the internship. Throughout the internship, I went to lunches, coffee chats, and meetings with different people in the industry. This helped open me up to new opportunities. If I didn’t connect with coworkers, I wouldn’t have been involved in some of the projects that I was. All of these interactions helped me realize that I want to work for a company that focuses on their people and creating an environment that cares about their employees.

Plante Moran had a few activities that changed my view on company culture. As described above, they put an emphasis on their people through events like onboarding in Denver and lunches with the staff. Another event that we had was with all the interns in the state. We all came together to get to know each other and volunteer with a local charity. It was activities like this that make me want to work for a firm that values their employees.

Finally, I was encouraged to open myself up to new opportunities. While I was a tax intern, I was able to volunteer for an audit project. This was very beneficial to me because I ended up liking it more that tax. Without being open minded to take on an engagement like this, I never would have known that this is something I liked.

Before this internship, I had no clue which career path I wanted to take. The experiences I had throughout this internship helped me decide what I want to do with my degree. Knowing what I want to do takes a lot of stress off of me as I move into my senior year. I can now focus on personal goals since I know what I want to do with my career.