What did you do?
As a finance intern I was given 1 major project to see through from beginning to end. My project goal was to increase the sustainability of our Sarbanes-Oxley processes. I gathered information and performed analysis on all of the key data: number of internal controls, finance vs. non-finance control owners, and the level of automation. I used a variety of process excellence tools to better understand the main problems. (SIPOC analysis, stakeholder analysis, fishbone diagrams, flow charting, and gathering benchmark data or best practices). Using this information I put together an implementation plan, standardizing processes, working with internal and external auditors and implementing a team structure. I then presented the project to the finance leadership and began implementing the final solution.
- Laura Mauro

What did you learn?
Get involved, and I don't just mean at school. Join the company sports teams, go to all the "non-required" events and set up one on one meetings with as many people as possible. Let your work speak for itself, but be sure that people know who you are. Make a place for yourself within the company culture so that both you and the company can determine if you are really are a good fit for a full-time position.
- Laura Mauro

As an intern, you are working inside a fishbowl - everything you do is under constant observation by everyone around you. Thus, my experience at Ethicon Endo-Surgery has re-emphasized with me that "Attitude is Everything." Having a can do, will do, positive attitude all of the time goes a long way.
- Mike Williams

What advice do you have for others?
Brush up on your soft skills. The technical skills are all in place from your classes, be confident in your abilities and sell yourself to the company. But on a day to day basis it's really the informal conversations with managers, lunch with colleagues, and even formal presentations that make you stick out
as a candidate.
- Laura Mauro

Be pro-active - Contact the appropriate people who can help you achieve your immediate and long term goals. Plan ahead - When you know you are going to be in front of an important person, know exactly what you want to accomplish during your conversation. Close - Ask the individual to commit to you what it is you set out to get from them (an interview, an offer, whatever it may be). If you don't ask, you won't get it. And all the while - Be Professional.
- Mike Williams