January 15, 2021
In turn with Steven Hollingsworth
In turn is a series that highlights the student interns and internship opportunities found within the College of Business (COB). For more information, contact Melissa Parks at parksr19@ecu.edu.
Senior COB student Steven Hollingsworth is one active Pirate.
He is president of ECU’s American Marketing Association chapter and a member of the COB’s Dean’s Student Leadership Council. He plans to pursue a real estate license, and when the pandemic is under control, he’s looking forward to once again being active in the First Baptist Church of Ahoskie’s choirs.
Hollingsworth credits being an Eagle Scout to helping shape his initial personal development and maturation. He’s also quick to credit the College of Business with his continuing growth as a leader.
“I feel that every day I am better developing not only myself but those around me as well,” said Hollingsworth.
He recently completed an internship found via ECU’s RISE29 program.
How did you learn about this internship opportunity? What were your responsibilities?
I was contacted by Tristyn Daughtry, one of the RISE29 Program Supervisors. The RISE29 Program was made aware of another application I submitted for another one of ECU’s Research and Economic Development programs. I was contacted for an interview, and after being offered a position and learning more about the RISE29 Program, I happily accepted.
I was part of a three-person team that assisted the Alpha Life Enrichment Center (ALEC) of Washington, NC. The center was looking at a new venture that would benefit local farmers and help aid the “food desert” found in Eastern North Carolina areas. The venture created a cannery that would allow local farmers, big and small, to preserve their produce better. My team’s main deliverables were to create the business plan and model for the cannery and matching ALEC with grants to pursue funding as we speak.
Why did you choose to do an internship?
Experience. Of course, an opportunity like this internship looks nice on a resume. I also wanted to challenge myself more than I ever had before while also learning a lot about entrepreneurship.
A lot of the tasks I completed during this internship were new to me. I am very thankful for the RISE29 supervisors, ALEC, Beaufort County Economic Development, and especially my teammates for pushing me to be my best. Without that push, there would be no growth.
How did the COB prepare you to be the chosen candidate?
The College of Business helped me develop my professionalism and teamwork skills, especially the BUSI courses in the Leadership and Professional Development Program. The COB curriculum keeps me very well-rounded intellectually. Although I may be a marketing major, it is nice to know a little bit about Finance, Supply Chain, Management, etc., so that I can best communicate with members of those backgrounds in the workforce.
What did the internship mean to you?
This internship, to me, was a huge confidence boost. Just because you have never done something before does not mean that you are incapable. Experiences are how one learns. I now look at future internship opportunities with a lot more confidence.
My best advice for when you come across an opportunity, and you question your capabilities is to apply anyway! These internships are meant to be learning experiences.
How are you better prepared for your career with this internship under your belt?
The RISE29 internship and my role as American Marketing Association president have broadened my horizons and skillsets. I may not have the aspirations of being a shark on Shark Tank, but at least through this internship, I know what I am looking for if I ever decide to go the entrepreneurial route.
I now know how to create a high quality and professional business plan and conduct proper research and industry analysis to find out if an idea has promise. The time and practice that I put into managing my team’s communication with ALEC, our RISE29 supervisors, Beaufort County Economic Development and other professional resources will be a priceless experience for wherever my career takes me.
Through all my experiences, communication has become a strength of mine, and I look forward to developing this skill and all other skills more in the future.
Why would you recommend a business student take advantage of an internship opportunity?
The experience is truly priceless. It can lead you to your career passion, and for many seniors, along with their hard work and a strong work ethic, their first full-time job offers. Internships also may be what shifts you away from a certain career path, but that’s okay. An internship is still a valuable experience that can make you a more attractive candidate for future jobs.
It is better to learn you’re heading down the wrong career path now than to find that out after graduation.
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