Ashley Benvenuti: Making an IMPACT

Indiana INTERNnet celebrated internship excellence on Feb. 4, 2015, at the 9^th Annual IMPACT Awards luncheon. Though the event is over and the winners have been announced, we are continuing to celebrate the nominees’ successes.

These are their stories.

IIN: Your nominator wrote that you “worked to create new training and development opportunities” for employees at Johnson Controls. That’s a great experience for an intern!

AB: What I did was create a deck to teach employees about the hiring process at Johnson Controls. There was nothing set up for this and managers were very unsure about the steps they needed to take. There were often many people in the HR office asking questions about next steps. After creating this deck, it was presented and implemented to the automotive interiors division.

IIN: What are one or two other projects that really allowed you to grow?

AB: I led strategy development aimed at improving the new hire orientation process and employee on-boarding. I was also responsible for managing the intern program. I planned the activities, dealt with employee job concerns, as well as planning the Intern Expo.

IIN: We understand that you stepped up and asked to shadow plant HR managers and HR business partners. What’s driving you to go above and beyond as you’re building your career?

AB: What has been my driving factor is to learn everything I possibly can in this field. It is not only a career and degree for me, but a passion. I thrive on being the best that I am capable of being and will do anything in my reach to make myself go to the next level.

IIN: I understand you’re returning to Johnson Controls in May. What will your role look like this time around, and what are your goals?

AB: I will be working in a generalist role. My goals are to get more experience in the field than I have previously gained. I have worked with the team to help them get interns. I have found it to be important to get more Indiana Tech students involved because internships are so important.

IIN: That’s awesome you’ve continued working with them, recruiting additional interns on campus. Can you also talk about how important networking has been for you?

AB: Networking has been huge for me and the reason behind all of my success. I have had six internships while in school, and I couldn’t have been so successful without my networking skills in college. I really would like all students to have the same experiences and be able to grow the same way that I was.

IIN: We know you are originally from Michigan. Any chance the Hoosier state has stolen your heart?

AB: I am continuing my education at Indiana Tech. I will be receiving my MBA from Indiana Tech. If I had the opportunity and a position that would help me grow, I would love to stay in Indiana.

IIN: What are your plans and goals post-graduation?

AB: After graduation this May, I will begin in an HR Generalist role. My goal in the next 5-10 years is to get into a Training and Development position with a company and also to receive my certifications.