Internship Time: Out of One’s Comfort Zone

Just completed the third day of my summer internship at a boutique CPG company (which sells children’s and sports products) here in New York. Unlike some of my classmates who are having the big CPG experience at a place like Unilever, I am the sole intern this summer. It’s a mixed blessing because although as the “only child” (as my boss referred to me) I am getting all the attention and support, I am also on my own in some ways to carve my path through the program. It’s a great test of my leadership and independence (luckily two skills I’ve been able to hone through my first year at Stern).

It’s going to be a great experience. On a per minute basis, I’ve never learned more in my life. It’s one thing to study marketing in the classroom; it’s a whole different animal to be out there doing it. But one that—if all goes according to plan—I will soon tame! I am really excited about the next ten weeks.

And then back for year two! Deadline to pick classes was yesterday so had to do a bit of planning ahead—but looking forward to more challenging classes. I’ve decided to take a computer science class that is wayyyyy out of my comfort zone; but based on my positive experience with Regression Analysis class last semester I’ve decided being out of your comfort zone is a great place to be.

Come to think of it, that’s what this summer is all about as well.