Elissa Pierce: From internship to full-time Engineering Coordinator at Boston Solar
In July 2021, Elissa Pierce, a Northeastern University graduate in Environmental Science, started her summer internship at Boston Solar hoping to gain hands-on experience in PV designing. With stellar performance and unmatched self-motivation to learn, Elissa finished her internship with more than what she had planned for: a full-time position at Boston Solar as an Engineering Coordinator. We asked Elissa for some insights about her experience as an intern and tips for students looking for jobs. Here is what she shared:
I liked the culture at Boston Solar. Everyone I’ve interacted with so far has been so nice and patient with me as I learned new things. I felt like a respected member of the team, which is essential for me to have in a job.?
2. What does Boston Solar provide that you think will help you grow in your career??
As an environmental science major, clean energy was really important to me; so it’s great to be working in the solar industry. I’m excited for the experience that I’ll gain from this position and hope to use it to progress into a management position in the future.?
3. What are you hoping to learn and achieve in the next year at Boston Solar??
领英推荐
Since this is my first professional job, I feel like I have a lot to learn! My position as Engineering Coordinator requires collaboration, communication, and organizational skills that I’m eager to strengthen. But overall, I’m confident that I will have a lot of success with the projects I’m working on during the next year and beyond!?
4. What would you say to recent graduates looking for a job right now (just like you a few months ago)??
Job hunting is really hard in today’s environment! I’d say the most important thing is to not get discouraged. Graduating college is a huge achievement, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t get hired immediately. Rejection is nothing personal and is something that everyone has had to face at one point or another. Just keep applying for jobs like it?is?your job, and be open to accepting internships, too. You might get hired full-time afterwards, like me! Even if you don’t, you’ll still have valuable experience to add to your resume!?
5. What would you advise future interns at Boston Solar and other small companies??
Soak up as much knowledge as you can! I’m grateful that my supervisor gave me the opportunity to learn about things outside the scope of my internship responsibilities. It helped me sort out what I was and wasn’t interested in. Most importantly, take your internship seriously and treat it like a real job, and it will prepare you for future success.?
This fall, while having her full-time job on our team, Elissa is also pursuing a Master’s degree in Environmental Science & Policy. We wish Elissa the best of luck in her studies and look forward to seeing her future accomplishments!
#Internship #Careers #CoopProgram #NortheasternUniversity #JobSearch #JobOpportunity #RenewableEnergyCareers #TipsForJobHunting