Dominic Vargas: Making an IMPACT

Indiana INTERNnet celebrated internship excellence on February 8, 2017, at the 11^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.

Dominic Vargas is a sophomore at Purdue University, graduating in May 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in finance with a concentration in management information systems. He interned with Purdue University Center for Career Opportunities as an information desk assistant.

Indiana INTERNnet: How did you become interested in finance?

Dominic Vargas: I became interested in finance, because I always seemed to have an entrepreneurial mindset and a desire to one day start my own business. Finance to me was a great path of study to take in order to gain important knowledge about maintaining and growing a business.

IIN: Are you involved in any campus organizations or groups?

Vargas: On campus, I am very busy. I am the treasurer of the Purdue Electronic Dance Music Club, where I am responsible for managing the budget and funding for an annual free concert for Purdue students.  As well, I am the Vice Chair of Presidential Affairs to the Purdue Society of Minority Managers, where I am able to take on special projects to advance the image and impact of the Society of Minority Managers. Outside of clubs, I am a Resident Assistant within Purdue University Residences. I am able to take my passion for mentorship, and facilitate the academic and personal success of my residents.

IIN: Describe your internship experience with Purdue University Center for Career Opportunities (CCO).

Vargas: At the CCO, I was responsible for addressing students and corporate partners alike around the office to various services and locations. I represented the CCO on a frequent basis and was passionate to give the CCO the image it deserves.  As well, I found myself regulating the Career Closet, a service the CCO provides to students where they can come to get professional clothing for free for as long as they need. By regulating the Career Closet, I keep track and monitored students as they visited the Closet to make sure they found what they need and left satisfied.

IIN: Was this your first internship?

Vargas: My first internship was with Intersil Corporation in Milpitas, CA.  At this internship, I was able to learn about finance and develop valuable interpersonal skills necessary in a professional setting. I chose to complete this internship, because I wanted to excel my expertise in the finance field and set myself apart from fellow classmates. I see internships as an opportunity to apply my classroom lessons to real-life scenarios, and develop my skills firsthand.

IIN: How has your nomination for IMPACT Awards impacted your life?

Vargas: The IMPACT Awards nomination was a great way for me to realize the recognition and value the CCO has for what I do. I enjoyed the opportunity to attend the luncheon and network with other nominees. The IMPACT Awards nomination has encouraged me to always put my best foot forward, because you never know the true impact you could have with an organization.

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

Vargas: After graduation, I would want to find myself working in finance in a specific industry. This way, I could gain industry knowledge and eventually commercialize a common industry solution to start my own business.  At some point, I want to get my master’s degree in business administration.