By: Sean Nasi, DePaul University digital cinema major ’15
DePaul Diaries is a day-in-the-life blog series written by DePaul students. The series unveils DePaulians’ experiences as interns in their field of choice. Students share their honest thoughts about their experiences, what they learned as an intern and advice for students who are interested in the same field.
For DePaul finance major Jewell Solomon, interning at World Kitchen, a company that owns and operates several kitchenware brands, was an invaluable part of her college experience. Not only did Jewell gain exposure to the ins and outs of finance in a practical environment, but she also learned the importance of a positive work environment and company culture.
“We constantly challenge the status quo and restructure the business so that we are improving on a consistent basis,” Jewell said. “Even if I’m not offered a full-time position at the end of the year, I have gained so many skills that I have not learned in school.”
World Kitchen tasked Jewell with many important financial projects, which she believes helped her develop professionalism and refine her skills. However, she was also exposed to many aspects of business, outside of the finance department, which increased her knowledge of business operations as a whole.
“This isn’t your typical ‘go get me coffee’ internship,” Jewell explains. “I worked on projects that are still being implemented today. I made a difference already, in the short time I have been there. And it feels great.”
One thing Jewell really liked about World Kitchen was the environment, specifically the company’s emphasis on values such as teamwork, support, and humility.
“Everyone takes responsibility for their actions, as well as their inactions. When goals are achieved and we reach success, the appropriate people are congratulated and honored. But when there are mistakes and failures, the employees at World Kitchen step up and take responsibility,” Jewell said. “I feel like that is a rare trait for a company to have; World Kitchen excels in it.” At World Kitchen, Jewell learned not only what technical skills she needs to be successful in her career, but what interpersonal skills as well.
One way students can maximize their internship experience and learn these skills is through trial and error. “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes,” Jewell advises future interns. “Don’t be afraid to speak your mind; Don’t be afraid to push buttons in a respectable manner. Internships are about figuring out what you want to do, in my opinion. It’s the time to speak up and see what you do and do not like.”
Overall, Jewell enjoyed her experience as an intern, and would recommend students interested in finance, marketing, accounting, sales, or supply chain management to check out the opportunities World Kitchen has to offer.
Want to learn about DePaul’s University Internship Program? Check it out, here, or send inquiries to UIP@depaul.edu. Need help finding an internship? Visit depaul.joinhandshake.com, or come into DePaul’s Career Center to meet with an advisor.