Understand the insurance industry
Sit in on three insurance review appointments
Have 10 live lead passes
Apply knowledge to marketing strategies
Become efficient with marketing tools
Spend 20 hours using Salesforce
Get 50 lead passes (text messaging, emails, etc.)
Do 2 marketing events
Expand network connections
Get to know everyone at my intern site
Obtain letter of recommendation
Connect with three new people from intern site with LinkedIn
Progress on internship goal (As of 4/11/2024)
I have completed all of my internship goals except for my letter of recommendation, which will be given to me at the end of the semester in two weeks.
I learned a lot from these goals. It mostly relates to marketing and people skill. Specifically, related to professionally calling, texting, and emailing people.
My current career aspirations include becoming a software engineer, IT project manager, or web developer, and I have an interest in integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning into my work. While I'm fairly confident in my career path, I'd rate my certainty at about a 7 out of 10. The tech field is dynamic, and what's relevant today might not be tomorrow, but I'm committed in leveraging my skills by graduating with my computer science degree and the knowledge that comes with it.
Regarding my internship, although it wasn't directly tied to computer science, it significantly enhanced my communication skills, particularly in a professional setting. These skills will undoubtedly benefit me in my future career, enabling me to engage with employers and cultivate meaningful connections within the industry.
To meet my career goal, there are a few steps I have to take such as maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA, and excel in my classes, especially the math and computer science classes as they act as foundational knowledge I will use for the rest of my career, doing internships/work related to computer science next semester or get an IT helpdesk job.
Steps I will take to explore my career is attend at least one networking event related to computer science at IUPUI this semester, and stay updated on the latest technology advancement by reading at least one news article a day.
My internship at State Farm, although not directly related to my major in Computer Science, has provided me with valuable lessons that complement my academic journey. While my coursework focuses on technical subjects, such as math, physics, and computer science, my internship has taught me essential communication skills. These skills include effective communication, marketing strategies, sales tactics, and customer service, all of which are transferable to any field and can help me stand out from competitors.
My course works have also complemented my internship, specifically, the speech classes I took in the past have boosted my confidence in the communication aspects of my internship, which is a significant component of the work I do. Moreover, I've learned to apply my speaking skills to ask better questions and acquire valuable information, enhancing my overall effectiveness in the workplace.
While my internship may not directly influence my academic coursework, the interpersonal skills I gained from interacting with possible client for marketing has helped me connect better with my teachers and peers. The ability to establish meaningful connections is universally valuable, and my internship experience has proved to me the importance of this skill.
My professional identity is someone who has a passion for learning and a willingness to put in the necessary work to succeed. As an intern at State Farm, while my academic focus doesn't directly align with the internship in marketing, I've found that the skills I'm acquiring, particularly in communication and adaptability, are valuable in any field. Initially, I felt challenged by the marketing aspects of the internship, but my determination to learn and improve has helped me overcome these obstacles.
Understanding my professional identity has contributed to my career goals by instilling in me the discipline to persevere and see tasks through to completion. While it hasn't entirely confirmed my career path, it has provided me with the qualities I seek in my dream job. Specifically, I want something that can utilize my skills for math and programming in a role that offers flexibility, allowing me to work from home, travel as desired, and provide support for my future family. This understanding has helped me identify potential career paths that align with these aspirations, guiding me towards industries and opportunities that offer me balance and fulfillment.
My internship at State Farm has positively influenced my professional identity, particularly in communication. I now communicate more confidently and professionally, understanding that effective communication involves recognizing patterns and using appropriate language while remaining approachable. Through this experience, I've learned various professional phrases and strategies that I can utilize in future interactions. This enhanced skill set not only improves my ability to engage professionally but also boosts my overall confidence in the workplace.