Indiana INTERNnet celebrated internship excellence on Feb. 3, 2016, at the 10th Annual IMPACT Awards luncheon. Though the event is over and the winners have been announced, we are continuing to celebrate the nomineesā successes.
These are their stories.
Brandon Nettrouer will graduate from Indiana State University this May. Then he will relocate to South Bend to start a full-time career with Gibson, the company he completed an internship with last summer.
Indiana INTERNnet: Congratulations on securing a full-time position with Gibson! What excites you about starting your career there?
Brandon Nettrouer: I’m ready to invest into the next chapter of my life with Gibson. They are a great company full of greater people who strive to work harder than their competition. That is what intrigues me about my future with Gibson ā having the opportunity to roll up my sleeves and start meaningful work. I am humbled to begin a new chapter at the bottom of the totem pole, if you will, in regards to knowledge and experience in the industry, but I am fueled to succeed at a new challenge and rise to the top of my profession in the years to come!
IIN: Why does South Bend appeal to you as a place to live and work?
BN: South Bend is a city in which reputation lags reality. There is a lot of excitement in the area and much to do! I have small-town roots and enjoy the tight-knit feel South Bend offers young professionals.
IIN: What is a difficulty that you encountered during your internship and how did you overcome it?
BN: My first difficulty was adjusting to the 8-5 demand of a full-time position. As light as that sounds, an eight-hour work day demands a lot more energy and focus than a typical college day ā it was a small culture shock, to be honest. Discipline with incorporating a healthy lifestyle to accommodate a full-time profession was a tough habit to develop as well.
IIN: What advice would you give a new intern about making the most of their internship?
BN: Discover a position within your company that employs your passions, then plant your roots and grow your branches. An internship isn’t just a test drive of the company ā it’s a test drive of the company, co-workers, community and culture. Invest, digest and decide if you could see yourself working for that company after college, based upon those four C’s.
