Indiana INTERNnet celebrated internship excellence on February 7, 2018 at the 12th 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.
Jessica VandenBoom is a freshman at Grace college majoring in Facility and Event Management and Marketing. Last summer, she completed a marketing internship with Phoenix America, Inc.
Indiana INTERNnet: Describe your experience with Phoenix America, Inc. What were your favorite aspects of the internship?
Jessica VandenBoom: My marketing internship was at Phoenix America Inc. in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They produce sensors, encoders, and other magnetic solutions. My summer assignment was to create updated and easy-to-understand product data sheets for each for each of their parts and then translate that information onto a newly created website. My favorite part of the position was being entrusted with a project that I was solely responsible for and seeing it through to completion.
IIN: Describe how you helped the team develop. Did you encounter any obstacles?
JV: My primary role in the context of the company was to bridge the gap between engineering and marketing. I had to take engineering terms and explanations and translate them into marketing language to improve the readability of the data sheets and website. The biggest obstacle I encountered was my lack of engineering knowledge. The position definitely involved learning curve, but after gaining a baseline understanding of how the parts worked, I was able to better communicate the technical information involved.
IIN: Why did you choose to complete an internship?
JV: I chose to complete an internship because I decided that if I was going to spend my summer working, I wanted the work to be meaningful. I wanted to make the most of my time and get started in building my resume and exploring the business world a little more.
IIN: What are your future plans and career goals?
JV: I am not certain what I want to do after graduation, but luckily, I still have a couple years to figure that out. I am passionate about leadership and would love to someday be in a management position where I can not only accomplish the mission of a company but also pour into the lives of those on board with me.
IIN: Has your nomination for IMPACT Awards impacted your life?
JV: Being nominated for the IMPACT Awards showed me the potential I have to really make a difference through my work ethic and the way I carry myself. Being recognized for that is a good reminder that someone is always watching, and it will continue to serve as a reminder that I should work at everything I do with all my heart as if I was working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23).
IIN: Why are internships important?
JV: Internships equip you with real-world experience and allow you to be a valuable employee to your future employer out of college. They assist in the narrowing down of career goals and help to direct one’s steps into a job fitting for them.
