South Bend Times

Internship offers valuable experience

Solena Cruz ’24

Internship: Gibson Insurance

Major/Minor: Business major and marketing & graphic design minors

Internships allow students to apply classroom learning in a professional environment. Students gain exposure in their chosen field, gain necessary work experience, and establish critical networking skills for future employment.

Student Solena Cruz ’24 spent some time with Gibson Insurance this summer as an intern in the marketing department. With a major in business and minors in marketing and graphic design, she is gaining work experience and developing leadership skills that will give her a competitive advantage in the job market upon graduation.

“Gibson has taught me how to create valuable and informative content while also expanding my knowledge in different marketing channels such as the website, the blog, social media, content for events, etc.,” said Cruz. “This opportunity has positively impacted my career goals. The work environment and their mission have inspired me each day. The unity between everyone has shown me the importance of a driven working community. My goals have been geared towards finding a workplace that aligned with the same morals and values as mine and challenges my skills daily.”

Becky Beckman, Principal and Director of Marketing at Gibson Insurance, said Solena is a wonderful addition to the marketing team at Gibson, helping with website updating, social media posting, and design projects.

“Solena has an amazing attitude and fits perfectly with the culture at Gibson. She is always willing to assist and is extremely thoughtful of her projects,” notes Beckman. “We are excited that Solena will continue to intern with us during the fall semester, hoping she can continue to gain real-world experience working in an office, all while meeting deadlines and understanding the need for marketing in the professional services industry.”

Internships offer opportunities and moments for students that make a lasting impact.

“My most memorable moment would be my first day. I knew that this would be one of the first steps to me making that career choice, making plans for my future, networking, and improving overall,” recalls Cruz. “The people are so welcoming, they really allowed me to feel at ease, especially with it being my first day. Walking in, meeting everyone, and having them tell me that they are there if I need anything really allowed me to feel at home, feel welcome, and feel part of the team. I think that’s something that really stuck with me, knowing that I’m strong by people that are willing to help me learn, and that is something that I’m very grateful for.”

Beckman appreciates the chance to work with interns and all their hard work.

“It gives them a real opportunity to see how day-to-day business operates, which is invaluable to a college student. Getting a feel for office dynamics and industry will hopefully be a driving force in the career path decisions they make in the future,” said Beckman.

Original source can be found here.