Thank You, WayUp: Reflecting on My Summer Internship

Roughly a year and a half ago, during my freshman year of college, I became a campus rep for WayUp. I first found out about the company from a post my floormate put in a Facebook group. At the time, I was extremely eager to take on my first part-time job in college and, looking back now, it was the best decision I have ever made.

I’ve come to know over the past 18 months that WayUp makes a difference in people’s lives, including my own; both my mind (and my resume) are at ease because of the countless opportunities that have come my way, as a result of this amazing company, including the chance to intern in the office this summer.

Back on my first day in May, I distinctly remember walking into the building feeling both incredibly nervous and excited as I wondered what the next 12 weeks would bring. From the moment I walked into the office, I immediately felt welcomed as a part of the team, and the nerves faded away. That was when I knew that this summer would be an experience I would never forget, and as I approach my last week, it’s clear that I couldn’t have been more spot on.

Throughout my time here at WayUp, I have learned more than I thought possible from the nearly 60-person team. I have had the opportunity to pitch my own ideas and publish my own work on our blog, but most of all, I have been able to write directly to my fellow college students across the country, giving them advice about internships, careers, majors and college life. Perhaps the most incredible part of my experience was my participation in the creation of the first-ever National Intern Day.

As an intern myself, I can’t even begin to describe how rewarding it was to help create a day to celebrate interns. From researching a variety of topics related to internships to writing content for our blog, email and social media channels to helping film intern testimonials and even  putting together intern celebration kits, I am so proud of the work I have done here and so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing campaign.

Additionally, having the chance to complete a wide variety of tasks throughout the internship, like helping to develop the campus rep program and providing feedback about the site’s current onboarding process, has taught me so much about myself. I have discovered new interests and explored existing ones, developing them even further in the process. I am absolutely blown away by how much I’ve learned this summer, and none of it would have been possible without WayUp. It has been a privilege to learn from the group of talented and brilliant individuals who make up the WayUp team.

I looked forward to coming into work every day, and as a native New Jerseyan making an almost two-hour commute each way, I can honestly say that it was worth every delayed train and crowded bus. I wouldn’t trade my experience here at WayUp this summer for anything (even more sleep!).

Between choosing a major, thinking about what you want to do as a career and ultimately figuring out who you are, college can be a rough time. Because of that, I want all of my fellow college students to know that WayUp truly cares about helping us find jobs, internships and our career paths, and at the end of the day, I honestly believe that you’re not going to find that sort of connection or compassion anywhere else.

And finally, to WayUp, thank you for helping to shape me into the person I am today and thank you for turning me into a true New Yorker. #IFeelBlessed.