By Stone Montgomery

I can’t believe this is my last blog post. I want to thank everyone at the Gardner Institute whom I have had the pleasure of working with. Three months is not a long time but it is exactly how long I have been in this internship program. Reflection is the tool of a good leader and I’ve begun to reflect on how much I have grown professionally this semester. I have to admit when I started this program in September, I was excited, but I wasn’t sure how I was going to manage the work plus my school work, build rapport with my supervisors, and manage to network. I am still a work in progress but I continue to ready myself for the workforce each day by gaining new skills, perspectives, and the best part, confidence.

The most significant aspect of my growth has been learning to embrace challenges. At the beginning of my internship, I was nervous about making mistakes and often doubted my abilities. As time passed, I understood that difficulties are opportunities for learning and growth rather than obstacles to stop you from moving forward. By challenging myself, seeking feedback, and asking questions, I boosted my confidence in my skills and judgment. I recall in the beginning that sharing my thoughts in team meetings and presentations made me feel nervous. With experience and support from my supervisor, I not only felt more comfortable speaking up but also understood that my efforts were appreciated and championed. I also learned that readiness, perseverance, and a desire to improve are the keys to confidence.

Building skills has been a master class during this program. I have had experience learning data analytics, survey creation, and presenting during team meetings to name a few. By juggling my internship work and studies, I’ve improved my time management abilities. Additionally, I’ve improved my communication by observing and modifying my communication style to suit a work environment. Participating in projects, writing blog posts, and working with colleagues helped me hone my ability to express thoughts clearly and accurately. I also gained real-world experience in areas that are directly related to my career goals, such as data analysis and project management. I found it simpler to relate the ideas I’ve learned in my business management classes to the demands of the profession thanks to these real-world examples. Seeing the tangible results of my hard work was incredibly fulfilling and confirmed the need for adaptation and lifelong learning.

The impact this internship has had on my professional goals has been invaluable. I had an idea of my interests going into this event because I was majoring in business management. Working with the Student Success and Retention team gave me a better understanding of organizational dynamics and the significance of developing initiatives that have an impact. My desire to work in media, marketing, sports, or branding was cemented by this encounter. I came to see that I like positions requiring strategy, creativity, and teamwork. This internship also confirmed my long-term objective of working for myself. I’m motivated to run a company that reflects my values and ambitions after seeing the behind-the-scenes work of a committed staff.

As I prepare for graduation and the next steps in my journey, I am grateful for the experiences and lessons this internship has provided. It has not only equipped me with valuable skills but also given me a clearer sense of purpose and direction. I would advise anyone thinking about an internship to take advantage of every chance to learn, even if it is originally uncomfortable. Take initiative, ask for input, and think back on your past experiences. When you push yourself, you grow, and the benefits are well worth the effort. One of the most important periods of my life has been this semester. From a motivated student to an emerging professional, I’ve developed the confidence and tenacity to face the difficulties of the future.

Stone Montgomery