College students expecting themselves to perform perfectly at an internship is like a child expecting to hit a home run their first time picking up a baseball bat.
Soon-to-be Kennesaw State graduate Aaron Schwartz learned this lesson during his internship with Booz Allen Hamilton, a technology and consulting company.
“In the grand scheme of things, if [companies] wanted someone that already knew what they were doing right away, then they would have gotten someone with five, 10 years under their belt,” Schwartz said. “When a company selects you as an intern, they want you to learn.”
Schwartz, an information security and assurance major, was offered the job after completing his internship and will begin work as a vulnerability analyst after he graduates from the Cole’s College of Business this spring.
Vulnerability analysts examine computer systems, networks and applications to identify potential problems and help educate clients on how to prevent these possible weak spots.
During the internship, Schwartz said he had the realization that no company expects their interns to be perfect. This is something that he said is important for all students to keep in mind when starting an internship.
Companies hire interns to gain industry understanding, so students should not be afraid to make mistakes if that ultimately means improving at the job, Schwartz said.
Students should also understand that they are selected to be an intern because the company saw something admirable in them. Schwartz said he believes it was likely his drive and hands-on experience that made him stand out among his competitors.
“I had a class where, instead of being tested on a textbook, I had to manage two different servers for two different operating systems and learn how to protect them,” Schwartz said. “And that right there just blew them away — the fact that I’m getting real, practical experience and I’m not just sitting there reading a book. I’m out there and I’m learning how things are done in the cyber-security world.”
Schwartz acknowledged that luck did play a part in his job offer, but added that the harder he has worked, the nicer the luck that has followed.
“I’m a firm believer that the harder you work, the luckier you get,” Schwartz said. “Of course, some luck comes with being in the right place at the right time, but I’ve found that hard work led me to better avenues than simply waiting for luck to pass me by.”
For more information on Booz Allen Hamilton, visit boozallen.com. If you are interested in learning more about the Coles College of Business at KSU, visit coles.kennesaw.edu.
