February 25, 2022
In turn with Mason Taylor
Junior Mason Taylor is from Cary, North Carolina. The management information systems major, a student manager for ECU’s Main Campus Student Center, completed an internship with IBM last summer. Taylor shares his internship and COB experiences with us.
How did the Cunanan Center for Professional Success help prepare you for your internship search?
Though I learned about my internship through a different source, I know that Cunanan Center guides students in career planning. The resources and mentors are very helpful. I also know Cunanan provides valuable resources for students, and I recommend all students looking for internships utilize the Cunanan Center.
What were your responsibilities during your internship?
I worked on a federal procurement team as a procurement professional, and my main project was called Access & Accelerate. I would research small businesses that could be potential candidates in our program. IBM’s goal was to create access for minority firms and help them be more competitive in federal contracting. I was responsible for creating a spreadsheet, entering data about the candidate company’s capabilities, and scheduling meetings with my managers and potential candidates.
How did you apply what you learned in BUSI 1200, BUSI 2200, BUSI 3200 or BUSI 4200 to your internship?
I learned about the importance of teamwork and communicating effectively. In the internship, I applied the principles of teamwork and communication because I was part of a team. I collaborated on projects and communicated well with managers and the team to discuss expectations.
What was the most challenging thing you experienced during your internship, and how did what you learned in the COB help you overcome it?
During the internship, I was required to use a new database system, complete a final project and present it. Initially, it was very challenging. I had to organize the content and articulate the message in a professional PowerPoint presentation.
I sought help from a senior manager who assisted me with my formatting. In the COB, it’s important to ask professors and advisors for help when dealing with a challenging situation. Asking for help and being comfortable receiving advice was a big part of overcoming the challenge of developing a strong presentation.
How have you applied what you learned in your classwork to this position?
Conducting research, completing a PowerPoint presentation, and presenting in front of others helped prepare me for the tasks during the internship.
What has this internship taught you about responsibility?
Taking responsibility means being accountable and meeting specific deadlines. I had to be on the computer by 8:30 M-F and available for meetings throughout each day.
I took the internship seriously because it was a real-world experience attending meetings with professionals and participating with other interns to complete projects that leaders would use at the company. People depended on me, and I had to be responsible for my work.
I also had to complete online professional development courses to earn badges and be outspoken during meetings.
Why would you recommend a business student take advantage of the Cunanan Center for Professional Success resources?
Cunanan Center is very supportive, and I recommend all students looking for internships or jobs use its services. It can lead to successful work experiences after graduation.
I believe the Center can help business students or alumni connect to opportunities to move their careers forward. I also recommend companies like IBM and RedHat inform the Cunanan Center of internship and career opportunities so business students can access the same opportunities that I had.
- Categories:
- Management Information Systems