Major: Spanish
Minor: Psychology, Women's Studies
Hometown: Narvon, PA

How did you learn about this opportunity?

I learned about this internship through LinkedIn.

Tell us a little bit about your experience.

I was the Human Resources intern with SuperValu at the Lancaster DC. My main project for the summer was retention. I worked with the managers of various departments on this project so I could collaborate with the people who knew the most about each subject. One of my co-workers had to go on a 4-6 week medical leave, so they trained me for two weeks to be the interim HR Generalist II while she was out. During my internship, I learned about and helped with the interview, application, and termination process, retention, Off Job Injuries, Unemployment, FMLA, and orientations. Additionally, 65% of their employees speak Spanish, so I translated and communicated with the Spanish speakers almost every day.

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience impacted me academically because I was able to learn things that I would never have been able to learn in a classroom. I not only learned all of the things I listed above, but I also learned how to interact in an office environment. I learned how to successfully use my knowledge of the Spanish language in a business environment. I learned the HR lingo in both English and Spanish. I expanded my network and gained many new mentors. They also invited me back to work with them over winter break. This internship taught me how to be confident in my abilities. It also showed me that I can use both of my passions (HR and Spanish) in my future career and that I do not have to give up one to have the other.

This internship...showed me that I can use both of my passions (HR and Spanish) in my future career

What are your career goals and plans?  How did this experience impact them?

My career goals are to have a job after I graduate as an entry level HR professional with a company that will allow me to use Spanish in my everyday work. This internship impacts my goal because it provided me with the knowledge and skills that I need to be successful in my career. Additionally, the people that I worked with are mentors for me to help me know what step to take next. This experience showed me that the perfect job does exist and that I should never settle for something that is less than what I want. I could not have asked for a better internship.

Would you recommend this experience to other Liberal Arts students?

I would recommend this experience to any other Liberal Arts student that wants to work in the business world. This internship provided me with information to help me in the future.