Embarking on your first internship can indeed be a daunting experience. Even for those with prior internships under their belts, the anticipation of the first day at a new company can be worrisome. Hear directly from our former interns as they share personal insights into their journeys and how they thrived during their time at Vagaro.
Sparking the Interest
Navigating the path to a career can often feel overwhelming, especially for students faced with the pressure of deciding their future profession. While academic classes provide valuable theoretical knowledge, they may not fully prepare individuals for the practical demands of the workforce. This is where internships play a crucial role. Serving as a bridge between academic and professional life, internships offer invaluable real-world experience, allowing students to explore various career paths and gain insight into different industries.
Brian and Rutik's experiences serve as powerful testaments to the transformative power of internships. Brian, a member of our 2022 summer IT internship cohort, reflects on his journey from academic curiosity to full-time employment in the IT field. Rutik, on the other hand, joined our first formal internship program in the summer 2023 cohort as a Cyber Security intern and continued on as a Cyber Security Temp.
As testament to the transformative power of internships, Brian shares how he seized the opportunity to translate academic knowledge into practical skills within a professional setting. Here, he reflects on his journey from academic curiosity to full-time employment in the IT field:
“I discovered my passion for technology during my time at CSU East Bay, where I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering. It all started back in 2016 when I undertook the exciting challenge of building my first computer. Even before purchasing all the parts, I dedicated countless hours to researching every aspect of computer hardware and functionality. This hands-on experience ignited my curiosity and laid the foundation for my ongoing interest in IT.”
We also caught up with Rutik, one of our 2023 interns who has now joined us in our Cyber Security Team. Although he first found interest in this field during his undergraduate studies, a pivotal moment in developing his passions for cybersecurity came from his personal projects:
“One defining moment for me was when I actively participated in bug hunting on publicly available bug-hunting programs. Engaging with real-world applications and uncovering vulnerabilities firsthand heightened my interest in cybersecurity. Additionally, through various college projects, such as Celestial Learning, I gained practical experience in implementing security measures and understanding the importance of protecting data integrity and privacy. These experiences solidified my passion for cybersecurity and motivated me to pursue further studies and opportunities in this field.”
Balancing Work & Life
While some students manage employment alongside their studies, the transition to a 9–5 workday and corporate responsibilities often brings a noticeable shift to work-life balance. Brian highlights this shift, “The transition from internship to a full-time role definitely changes the work dynamic, bringing forth increased responsibilities and access to new opportunities. This makes work more exciting, as there's always something new to learn and explore.”
The initial thrill of starting a career can sometimes lead people to inadvertently blur the boundaries between work and personal life, fostering unhealthy habits characterized by overwork and neglect of life's other responsibilities. Brian elaborates on this, “In terms of maintaining a healthy work-life balance during this transition, I've found that prioritizing my well-being is important. Simple habits like staying hydrated and incorporating regular exercise into my routine have been game-changers. Not only do they enhance productivity and focus at work, but they also contribute to my overall well-being and vitality. Finding this balance has been key to navigating the transition seamlessly.”
Ryan, who also joined our summer 2023 intern program alongside Rutik as a Finance intern, recently transitioned to a full-time role as our Jr. Financial Analyst. He contributes to this discussion by emphasizing, “I would say I try my best to make time for things I still enjoy doing. However, figuring out how I want to spend my free time is still a work in progress. Overall, I would recommend to future interns/beginning full-time workers to still prioritize your passions and hobbies outside of work.”
Fighting Impostor Syndrome
Impostor syndrome, a psychological phenomenon characterized by persistent feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy despite evidence of competence, can often affect individuals transitioning into the workforce—including interns. Despite being aware of their entry-level status and the inherent knowledge gaps compared to more experienced colleagues, interns frequently find themselves grappling with impostor syndrome upon entering the professional environment.
The discrepancy between interns' perceived capabilities and the perceived abilities of their high-performing colleagues often exacerbates these feelings. Rutik, who has experienced this firsthand, acknowledges, "It's common to doubt one's abilities and feel like you don't belong, especially in a new environment." The pressure to measure up to the standards set by seasoned professionals can intensify these sentiments.
However, Rutik shares his strategies for mitigating these feelings and building self-confidence. He emphasizes the importance of reframing one's mindset to focus on existing skills and knowledge rather than fixating on perceived deficiencies. Rutik found that seeking validation through positive feedback and recognizing his accomplishments were instrumental in bolstering his confidence. Additionally, he actively sought mentorship and guidance from more experienced colleagues, recognizing the value of their insights and reassurance. Through these efforts and by gradually gaining experience to successfully overcoming challenges, Rutik gradually diminished the impact of impostor syndrome on his professional growth.
By openly discussing experiences with impostor syndrome and sharing effective coping mechanisms, individuals like Rutik contribute to creating a supportive workplace culture where feelings of self-doubt can be addressed and overcome. This fosters an environment of mutual encouragement and growth, allowing interns and new professionals to thrive as they navigate their careers.
Advice for Future Interns
The goal of every intern is not just to complete their program but to excel and set the stage for a strong career journey. Drawing from his personal advancement from intern to full-time employee at Vagaro, Brian shares invaluable advice rooted in his own experience.
"As someone who transitioned from an intern to a full-time employee at Vagaro," Brian reflects, "I believe the key to success lies in embracing growth opportunities and staying proactive." Brian's journey at Vagaro has offered him firsthand insight into the potential for professional growth within the organization. He highlights the importance of approaching every task with enthusiasm, regardless of its complexity, recognizing each assignment as a stepping-stone for personal and professional development.
Remaining receptive to learning, whether through formal training initiatives or hands-on experiences, is key for advancing skills and broadening one's professional horizons. Brian emphasizes the significance of actively striving for excellence in one's role, citing dedication and adaptability as pinnacles of success.
At Vagaro, Brian has seen numerous colleagues embark on diverse career trajectories, starting in one department and flourishing in various roles and domains. His advice for future interns is clear: by demonstrating dedication and adaptability, individuals can chart a course for long-term success within the organization.
Ryan, reflecting on his own internship experience, adds a valuable perspective to the discussion, "I think definitely building relationships with other interns makes the experience of work not only less daunting, but also more fun," he suggests. In addition to fostering connections with peers, Ryan encourages interns to proactively seek opportunities for growth and learning. "Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to express your interest in topics you would like to learn more about," he advises. Moreover, Ryan emphasizes the importance of leveraging available resources to enhance one's internship experience, "I wish I took more advantage of all the helpful resources such as getting one-on-one advice on your resume!"
Together, Brian and Ryan offer comprehensive advice for future interns, emphasizing the significance of embracing growth opportunities, staying proactive, building relationships, and making the most of available resources to maximize their internship experience and set themselves up for long-term success.
Key Takeaways to Recap the Internship to Career Pipeline
Overall, the journey from being an intern to a full-fledged professional is filled with challenges, learning opportunities, and personal growth. The experiences shared by Brian, Rutik, and Ryan shed light on the various aspects of this transition, from discovering one's passion to navigating work-life balance and overcoming self-doubt.
As interns embark on their professional journeys, it's essential to approach each experience with enthusiasm, resilience, and a willingness to learn. By seizing opportunities, seeking guidance from mentors, and prioritizing personal well-being, interns can not only excel in their roles but also lay a solid foundation for a successful career ahead.
At Vagaro, we recognize the invaluable contributions of interns and strive to provide a supportive environment where they can thrive and grow. We hope that the insights shared in this article will inspire and empower future interns to make the most of their internship experiences and embark on fulfilling career paths.
About Vagaro
With over 83,000 businesses relying on Vagaro every day, we're a pioneer in mobile app and desktop business management software. Our unique platform is crafted for everyone from solo entrepreneurs to growing enterprises, delivering innovation and practicality directly into the hands of businesses. Whatever the goal, Vagaro is there to streamline every step of the journey.
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