Jordanna Skopp interned with Orveon Global and gained experience in human resource management for the beauty industry.
Why did you choose this internship and what was the focus of the experience?
As a double major in Dance and Applied Humanities (with a Fashion Studies emphasis) the internship I chose with Orveon Global binded my two worlds. [Orveon Global is a new beauty-focused corporation, and houses bareMinerals, Laura Mercier, and Buxom Cosmetics.] I loved being able to utilize my artistic side while challenging myself intellectually. This opportunity also took place in NYC which is where I am from and plan to go back to post graduation.
The focus of my internship was to work as a human relations intern, which meant working in the department that dealt with everything from recruiting to hiring to managing employees. This role is particularly important because the department works with all areas of the company, not just their own branch. In this role, I was given the opportunity to speak with every area of Orveon Global, including bareMinerals, Laura Mercier, and Buxom Cosmetics.
My major project was the Columbus Project as Orveon Global had just opened the doors to its Columbus, Ohio, office. My job was to make a presentation to recruit employees to our new office. I created a PowerPoint of all things Columbus. I covered every aspect, including food, hotels, real estate, cost of living, activities and so much more. At the end of my internship, I presented the project to the whole HR team as well as the Chief Peoples Officer and was given feedback. I’m excited that the project will be used to recruit employees even after my departure.
How did the applied humanities coursework help prepare you for the internship experience?
My coursework in my major helped tremendously. My background kept my head in the game and my plan of approach clear. In particular, the PAH 493 Internship class (with Internship Director Stephanie Springer) helped by providing career readiness articles I could read, and they included great questions to ask your mentor and other employees. When given my work notebook, I wrote down several questions from the required readings. Any time I spoke to someone new in the company I was able to refer back to these questions and receive responses beneficial to me.
What advice do you have for other students as they search for and begin their internship?
I would say to not overthink your options. Finding an internship that fits your career desires perfectly is not always the option that can aid your journey. It is okay to go in blind or pick an industry you might not know a lot about. For example, I knew stuff about cosmetics as a consumer and I thought makeup was a cool outlet of art but I frankly had little to no knowledge on HRs role within companies. Go in with an open mind and take it all in like a sponge. Be humble and willing to take a shot at whatever opportunities arrive and ask educated questions!
How has your internship experience influenced your plans for the future?
I am entering my junior year and finally feel as though I have a future awaiting me. I am not exactly sure what I will do post-graduation but I have options that have become realistic and achievable. First, I will continue to dance, train, and perform as that is what brought me to UA and it is my original love. I have also now stepped my foot into an industry that is fascinating to me. My amazing mentor at my internship company, Adrienne Martin, has provided me with so much guidance and knowledge. I am most thankful for the time she spent making sure I met with other areas of the company to see what employee roles could align with my interests outside of HR. I also hit it off with the Director of Education and Artistry for Laura Mercier and was told I am wanted upon graduation to be part of her team. I am thrilled to embark on my career and keep in connection with the connections I have made.