Internship

1)       Why do you want to participate in the program?

     I want to acquire experience. If there is one thing I value over any other ideal, it is the acquisition of experience. Experience fosters wisdom and wisdom breeds success.  Knowledge is useless if it is not properly applied. What I cherish and seek out most often is the opportunity to learn from my experiences.  I’ve come to understand the importance of choosing my experiences wisely and have committed myself to only seeking out the best.  The opportunities I look for allow me to learn more about myself and my capabilities while simultaneously shedding light on my deficiencies. No longer do I see failures as a burden, but rather a blessing. Every challenge I undertake I am tested. When a time comes that I don’t succeed I’m given a unique opportunity to recalibrate my approach, develop myself into a better person, and try again. Without the challenges these experiences bring I’d be unable to gain the proper perspective to refine myself.
            Since being introduced to Southwestern I’ve come to learn of the abundant opportunities for interns to learn by being provided the unique experiences that foster personal growth. In regards to my aspirations for a career in business, Southwestern’s internship comes off as one of the best there is. The idea of putting yourself around other self-disciplined, success-oriented individuals and managing a small business in which your energy input equals the reward output is amazing. Aside from the logistics of accounting and financing and managing your little business, you’re faced with the same personal challenges you’d face in any career.

 2)       Why do you feel like you should be accepted?

         I have a burning passion to seek excellence in all things. This keeps me intrinsically motivated and determined to accomplish my goals despite the many challenging external factors that arise.  My willingness and openness to gain positive experiences allows me to learn and adapt quickly to new situations.
        My resolve to become successful will never be undermined. While opportunities may come and go and people may pass me by, I will never stop pursuing my desire to succeed. My strong will and familiarity with overcoming tremendously discouraging situations in the past puts me at a unique advantage. I know where I’ve been and I know where I want to be. Nothing will prevent me from getting there.  Whoever’s worked with me knows that I put my best efforts and energies forth all the time.                          
        Aside from how and why Southwestern would serve me, I feel that I have a lot to offer the people I’ll be working with.  Sticking to my convictions and setting an example, I’ve made a commitment to being a leader in all things. A leader knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. I’m passionate about knowing how to be successful, being successful, and most importantly, helping others achieve success.  Knowing Southwestern provides all the necessary tools and support to succeed, I’m confident that I’m can bring all the motivation and discipline needed to effectively and efficiently use those tools and support to achieve success.  

 3)       What does commitment mean to you and why do you think it is important in an internship like this?             

        I believe in integrity. Integrity requires a certain transparency of character so that what you say and what you do are in line no matter who’s looking or what the circumstances. Commitment is maintaining a sense of integrity with each endeavor I set out to fulfill.
         As it pertains to my life, my commitments directly relate to my highest ideals. Who I strive to be and where I strive to go insist that my actions consistently reflect these ideals.  Aristotle once said “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.”  What I do is who I am. My desire is to declare the integrity and resilience of my character through my commitment to excellence in all things.  When I make commitment, I am pledging my actions to uphold that cause. I choose my commitments wisely to ensure that everything I do resonates with who I am and where I want to be.
        In an internship like Southwestern much is invested into each student. Many people are active in the process to see each person succeed and achieve. In a business internship, and maybe more specifically in sales, it’s vitally important that the student maintains a vision of success for himself. He must be committed to accomplishing that vision no matter what the rejections, no matter what the pressures, no matter what the personal battles he faces. The student must look past the temporary set backs and see himself as the person he’s striving to be. The people who succeed are not victims to their circumstances; they achieve success by making their circumstances. Instead of looking at what is and asking why, they see what isn’t and ask why not. They create themselves into the person to overcome any obstacle.
         In regards to commitment, no one can succeed if they are not committed to succeeding. Calvin Coolidge said “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence…. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”  Success is the result of seeing commitments through till the end.