“I’ve always wondered what people in offices did all day long”

In this week’s edition of?Ask Solenn Newsletter, I illustrate the transformative power of summer internships.??

?The last time I had talked to Mo* we had celebrated his college scholarship offer. He was now a rising college junior.?“What are your summer plans?” I asked. “Work at my aunt’s restaurant. I don’t get paid, but I get free meals," he replied.? “What about a paid internship?" I asked.? He didn’t think it was an option for him.

?It was quick: ?Mo was very personable. I introduced him, we prepared, he was interviewed, and he was hired for the summer. Before his first day, we discussed what was on his mind: outfits, schedule, lunch, MetroCard.

?During the summer Mo was too busy to take my calls, which I thought was a good sign.?

Afterwards, Mo said “It blew my mind.? The big boss was younger than many others in the office and he looked like me! One day he invited me for coffee at the Harvard Club, and when I told him that I don’t drink coffee, he said I could order what I wanted, it was just an expression. I had to learn so many new things:? research, presentations, and data analysis. I was working all the time...?I‘ve always wondered what people in offices did all day long. Now I know. This internship has completely changed the way I see the world.”

“That’s exactly what an internship is for “ I replied.

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*Student’s name changed for privacy