Northwestern Mutual is a Fortune 500 company that is well-known as a leader in the financial services industry. Yet, for Redbird senior Hannah Baker, her experiences as an intern at the company taught her about much more than investments.
Baker originally started at Northwestern Mutual last summer as a college financial representative. She enjoyed her experience so much that she continued her work with the organization in the fall and spring semesters as a talent acquisition intern. She states, “Beginning in a financial advising internship and shifting to a role in talent acquisition allowed me to experience more than one side of business. It motivated me to work hard and to build a strong mindset when aiming for success. Today as a talent acquisition intern, I’ve had the opportunity to network with a wide range of individuals and explore the world of marketing and graphic design, which I have found I really enjoy.”
Internships and career exploration
As a student studying business, working for the investment firm was not only a great opportunity for her to put what she learned in the classroom into practice but also allowed her to explore human resources as a career. “I knew I was interested in business, but like a lot of college students, I didn’t really know where to start looking for a job. As a college financial representative with Northwestern Mutual, I was able to experience business. Now, having hands-on experience in human resources (as a talent acquisition intern), I know this is still the career I want to pursue. Both internships aided me in growing personally and professionally.”
It is not unusual for students participating in an internship to discover their interests and areas that they are well-suited for. According to Career Services Internship Connections Coordinator Megan Patterson, internships are a useful way to explore careers, “Internships assist students with exploring career options because they are one of the few ways to do a deep dive into a profession. Some students I know have tried an internship in a field they never anticipated working in, and they ended up loving it. On the other side of the coin, some students participated in an internship they thought they would love, but it ended up not meeting their expectations. It is better to find out as an intern than to find out once you’re committed to a full-time career.”
Internships and academics
Another value of having an internship is that it allows students to connect their coursework to their internship. Hannah was enrolled in several classes that contributed to her learning. “I can clearly see how the material and topics align together. This internship has given me real-world experiences in that position, and I have learned a lot about HR in general. I had the opportunity to learn about parts of the business field I don’t like, and other parts that I find myself interested in.”
Internships do involve a time commitment. But according to Patterson, they are one of the best ways for students to grow as a professional. “Internships provide students with opportunities to advance their career-readiness competencies. They develop skills such as communication, critical thinking, and inclusion. Plus, internships not only allow for real-time improvement of these skills, but the student also builds their network (of professional contacts) and resume along the way.”
Internship advice
Hannah’s internship is an example for other Redbirds considering an internship and she offers them this advice. “Life after graduation can be stressful to think about, but this internship helped prepare me for my future greatly. I would advise interns to make the most of the opportunities that present themselves. Work hard at everything you do in your role, and network with as many employees as possible in your company. Going the extra mile in your job tasks does not go unnoticed by your supervisors. Use your time in your position to grow and to prove you are a valuable asset.”
Experiential Learning Showcase
Illinois State is committed to supporting student participation in internships and other experiential learning experiences. Career Services is hosting the first-ever Experiential Learning Showcase on Tuesday, April 23, in the Bone Student Center Brown Ballroom. Illinois State students will share about their internships and experiential learning experiences and present what they have learned. The event is open to the public and Career Services encourages all to attend to learn more about the outcome of these valuable learning experiences.
