As a first-generation college-bound immigrant from Ethiopia, Bethelehem has spent the past few years navigating a new language, culture, and educational environment. Now, as the first in her family to step into a professional role, she is determined to take advantage of every opportunity available to her. With her competitive mindset and drive for success, Bethelehem applied for Genesys Works with one goal in mind: to build a strong foundation for her future career.
“I was looking for any experiences that could help me get ahead,” she shares. “And Genesys Works immediately caught my eye.”
After going through Summer Training, Bethelehem reflects on how Genesys Works taught her valuable professional skills like communication, public speaking, and project management. Before joining GW, Bethelehem described herself as shy and closed off, often hesitant to speak up around people she did not know. Throughout the course of the summer, though, she found herself surrounded by peers who shared similar goals and were equally motivated to succeed. Being part of that supportive community encouraged her to participate more, engage with others, and gradually find her voice.
One moment in particular stands out. During a mock interview session, Bethelehem was hesitant when asked to volunteer in front of her classmates. Despite her nerves, she did it anyways, and that moment became her turning point – showing herself that she was capable of stepping outside her comfort zone and doing things she once thought she couldn’t. Shortly after this, she stepped up to serve as project manager for a group activity, where she gained even more confidence and honed the skills she was learning each day.
Now, Bethelehem is gaining valuable professional experience as an Accounts Payable and Systems Intern at PG&E. In her first-ever job, she is learning about internal systems, credit processes, and more as she navigates the corporate workplace. Although starting her internship was initially intimidating, the support of her supervisor and Program Coordinators has allowed Bethelehem to become more confident with each passing week and apply the skills she learned through Genesys Works to become a contributing member of her team at PG&E.
Even in just a few short months, Genesys Works has provided Bethelehem with more than just an internship. It has given her a clearer understanding of what to expect in a professional environment and a concrete stepping stone toward her long term goals. She hopes to pursue a career in finance and sees her current experience as an important investment in that future.
“Honestly, I’m doing things I never thought I’d be doing at my age,” she says. “I can see how much I’m growing, changing, and learning. My experience right now will continue to be so useful to me a few years in the future.”
With determination, newfound confidence, and a growing set of professional skills, Bethelehem is proving to herself just how much she really can accomplish.
