Intern Insights: 4 Key Lessons from my First Corporate Summer

I am approaching the final week of my first summer internship at Fresenius Kabi USA. Like many first-time interns, I was eager to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting but also nervous about navigating professional dynamics and making a meaningful impact. Stepping into a professional environment for the first time is daunting; unsure of how to act, interns strive to meet the expectations of their leaders. This summer has shown me that often, the highest expectations come from within us before we even start. Looking back, here are the insights I would emphasize to my pre-internship self:

1.?????? Your contributions are impactful.

I am incredibly fortunate to have been welcomed into an environment where my ideas were not just heard, but actively encouraged, despite being an intern. The nervousness of contributing immediately dissipated once I realized that I was here for a reason. As interns, we bring fresh perspectives and eagerness to tackle tasks that are appreciated by our employers. Take advantage of the opportunity to make an impact, regardless of its scale. Your contributions can truly make a difference.

2.?????? Every opportunity is an opportunity to network.

Everyone talks about the power of networking, but it was a casual conversation with a customer while I was waitressing last spring that truly underscored how valuable professional relationships can emerge unexpectedly. The simple chat with this customer, who shared my interest in communications, eventually led to them becoming my manager during my internship. While it may be daunting to take that leap to speak professionally with new people, the investment expands beyond conversation. I’ve learned that networking isn't about short-term gains; it's about building long-term relationships that can benefit both parties and provide invaluable insight.

3. There are no dumb questions.

Before starting my internship, I was hesitant to ask about what I didn't understand, fearing it might make me appear inexperienced or uninformed. However, I soon realized that asking questions not only clarified my tasks but also showed my eagerness to learn and improve. Each question I posed led to valuable insights and a deeper understanding, whether it pertained to specific tasks, company procedures, or industry terminology. Embracing this mindset revealed that my colleagues appreciated my curiosity and were eager to support my learning journey. Asking questions does not make one inexperienced. In fact, it’s a sign of dedication to understanding and improving as an intern.

4. Embrace new opportunities: Say yes!

While sticking to my cubicle each day might have felt safe, saying yes to the opportunities offered to me showed aspects of the corporate world I wouldn't have encountered otherwise. A standout example was our company leadership summit. When I was invited to attend and photograph the annual event in Chicago, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness about meeting new leaders in the company. Had I remained in my comfort zone and declined the opportunity, I would have missed out on one of the most valuable experiences of my internship. Those three days allowed me to interact face-to-face with regional leaders from various departments, expanding my professional network and giving me a glimpse into how a corporate event is executed. Saying yes to this event broadened my horizons beyond what I could have imagined.

This summer gave me the chance to take the skills I’ve learned in the classroom and apply them to real-world experiences. Now, as I enter my junior year at the University of Missouri, I'm eager to integrate my new knowledge and experience into my academics. I am pleased to continue my journey with Fresenius Kabi USA as a communications contractor this fall.

To those starting their first internship, trust in yourself and your abilities. Believe in your capacity to learn and adapt, and don’t be afraid to raise your hand and seek clarification. Remember, asking questions isn't a sign of weakness but of strength and eagerness to learn. A special thank you to my manager, Tanya Olson Tyska, along with Juliann Schrader, Joanie Clougherty, and the rest of the communications team for their unwavering guidance and support. I look forward to what’s to come!