Interview with Class of 2016 Abbott Intern, Tang Her
What are some of the most valuable lessons you learned through Genesys Works? Can you recall a breakthrough moment that was a huge learning experience for you?
Some valuable lessons I’ve learned through Genesys Works was learning to accept feedback and be confident in who I am. As a person, I know that I hate hearing constructive criticism because it makes me look like I don’t know anything. But with Genesys Works, I learned that being able to accept feedback, whether it’s good or bad, is something important in life. This feedback is what will help me improve myself to be better. This goes with being confident in who I am. Genesys Works has taught me to not be afraid to go up there in front of everyone and show them who you are because you have so much potential in you. A breakthrough moment that was a huge learning experience for me was when I had to present in front of the CIO and other directors at my internship. It was nerve-wrecking at first because these people are so high up in the company and so I must present myself and Genesys Works well. Using what I learned throughout summer training, I was able to do my presentation well and the CIO and directors liked it.
Who was a mentor for you during your Genesys Works experience? Have you been a mentor for others since then?
I would say that Keegan was always a mentor to me during my Genesys Works experience and even up until now. Keegan was my school year PC and he was extremely helpful of the young professionals. He gave me so much advice and helped me throughout my journey with Genesys Works. I knew that he would always be there whenever I needed help. As far as me being a mentor for others, I would say I did but not as direct. I did have my group of other young professionals that worked in the same place as I did, and we’ve all been mentors to each other.
How has Genesys Works played into your experience for college (and your MIS major) and your future career?
I came to college as Biology major because that’s what my parents wanted. At the end of my freshmen year, I decided to change my major into MIS after having some deep thoughts about what I really want to do as a career. I knew that Genesys Works has opened so many doors for me already if I go with something in the business/IT field. I love working with computers too and so I changed my major. Ever since then, Genesys Works was always there for me whenever I have questions on internships or college things in general. With an MIS major, I still don’t know yet what I want to do with it, but I hope that through the internships I am searching for, I will find what I want to do as a career.
What does it mean to be an alumna of Genesys Works?
For me, it means to give back. Genesys Works did so much for my older sister and me, so being able to give back in any way that I could would be something I’d like to do as an alumna. That is why I came back to Genesys Works and worked as the Business Technology Trainer. This helps me to connect with the young professionals and allows me to bring in my story and experienced when I was a young professional to them. And I hope that with this, I at least help somebody in some ways whether they are lost in what they want to do or they’re searching for their passions. I hope that my experienced and story help guide these young professionals in their life.
What is an accomplishment from the past few years that you are most proud of?
An accomplishment from the past few years that I am most proud of was going back to Genesys Works as a trainer, not as a young professional. When I got admitted into the job as the Business Technology Trainer, I was amazed. As a college student who just finished her second year of college, I was nervous and afraid because I didn’t know how much I must know to be able to teach these young professionals. I was afraid that I wasn’t smart enough or know enough to teach technology to them. But during my time as the trainer, I’ve proved myself wrong. I did have the knowledge and I have a story to bring in that can change any of the young professionals’ life. All I needed was confidence in myself. Another breakthrough moment in my life.
Interview with Class of 2015 Medtronic Intern, Denise Reyes
What was something that made your experience with Genesys Works memorable? Anything in particular at Medtronic?
What made my Genesys Works experience memorable was the summer training. I remember it clearly, waking up before my parents went to work to be on the bus by 6:45 AM on my way to downtown Minneapolis. I would sit on the bus and think about how hard I was working and reflect on my goals for my future. The summer taught me dedication and it allowed me to collaborate with so many diverse students. It was truly a memorable experience I never took for granted and will never forget.
Interning at Medtronic was a wonderful opportunity because they took me in and made my internship worthwhile. My entire team would never fail to express their gratitude towards the work I would complete. Everyone on my team would check up on me, they included me on their team volunteering and team outings. When I returned for a second internship on the team they all welcomed me back with open arms. Four years later, I still keep in contact with both my supervisors although neither of them is still with Medtronic.
What are some of the most valuable lessons you learned through Genesys Works? Can you recall a breakthrough moment that was a huge learning experience for you?
Genesys Works taught me the importance of exploring opportunities that will take me out of my comfort zone, and setting goals to work towards making my dreams a reality. In July of 2014, I presented to my peers at GW a goal I had for myself and the goal was to graduate from the University of Minnesota with a business degree by 2019. A breakthrough moment for me was when I was accepted into the University of Minnesota. I remember applying to other schools but having my heart set on the University of Minnesota and the day I found out I was actually at my internship and later in the evening I had my CCC meeting and that was when I received a call from the University of Minnesota confirming my acceptance. Being accepted into the U was a dream, and I am incredibly proud of myself because I will be graduating in December 2018 with a business degree.
What are you passionate about? Have your passions changed over time?
I am extremely passionate about giving back to my community and giving back to organizations that have given me so much. I especially love to mentor individuals who share similar identities to mine and who I can relate to on a deeper level. Volunteering overall is one of my greatest passions because I believe it is important to use your position in life and your privilege to help those who may not be as fortunate.
What advice would you give to your younger self or to current interns in the program?
The greatest piece of advice I would have given my younger self-has to be to continue working towards your dreams but do not forget to take care of yourself along the way. It is challenging to manage school, an internship, college applications, scholarship applications, personal/family obligations, and it is crucial to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. It is our responsibility to treat ourselves with kindness and compassion and understand that our wellbeing comes before anything else.
What is an accomplishment from the past few years that you are most proud of?
An accomplishment from the past few years that I am most proud of was this last summer I took the risk and applied to an internship completely different from any other internship I had ever had. I was offered an internship position and I accepted it not knowing how challenging it would be to learn the role. As the summer progressed, my manager told me I was doing a great job and therefore my internship was extended. When my internship was beginning to wrap up I was offered a full-time position as an International Credit Management Analyst and I accepted it. I would have never imagined having a job lined up after graduation, but thanks to my hard work and determination, my parent’s sacrifices, and all of the individuals and organizations that believed in me I was able to make this a reality.
