Alexis Wililams expanded her customer service role at European Wax Center to gain experience in management, hiring, operations, and customer retention.
How did you get your internship?
I completed my internship at European Wax Center, which is also where I currently work. Since I had already been with the company for several years, I saw it as an opportunity to learn a completely different side of the business beyond my usual responsibilities. Instead of only focusing on client-facing work, I wanted to better understand management, leadership, operations, and decision-making. I talked with my Center Manager about my goals and how I wanted more exposure to the behind-the-scenes side of running a business. She was very supportive and helped create opportunities for me to shadow management tasks, sit in on meetings, and take on responsibilities that helped me grow professionally. One thing that made this internship unique was that I was already familiar with the company culture, so I was able to step into higher-level conversations and experiences quickly. It gave me the chance to look at a workplace I already knew from a completely different perspective.
Why did you choose this internship?
I chose this internship because I wanted experience that would help me transition into more professional leadership and people-focused roles in the future. Although I have a strong background in aesthetics and customer service, I have recently become more interested in management, operations, HR, and employee development. I knew this internship would allow me to strengthen transferable skills while staying in an environment I was already comfortable in. I also wanted to challenge myself to think beyond day-to-day tasks and start understanding how businesses actually function from a leadership perspective. Another reason I chose this internship was because I wanted real-world experience that connected directly to my future career goals instead of something that felt disconnected from my interests. Being able to learn from my manager while actively observing hiring, performance tracking, and operational decisions made the experience feel meaningful and practical. It helped me better understand the type of work environment and career path I may want after graduation.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience?
Throughout my internship, I worked closely with the Center Manager and learned about many different areas involved in running the business. I observed hiring processes such as phone screenings and group interviews and learned what managers look for when evaluating potential employees. I also reviewed our key performance indicators (KPIs), productivity reports, membership performance, retention numbers, and scheduling decisions to better understand how business performance is measured. In addition, I participated in local marketing outreach and community partnerships to see how businesses maintain relationships and attract new clients. One of the most valuable parts of the experience was shifting my mindset from simply completing tasks to thinking more like a leader and decision-maker. I paid attention to how managers handled difficult situations, motivated employees, balanced business goals, and maintained team culture. I also gained a better understanding of how much organization, communication, and adaptability are required to keep daily operations running smoothly. The internship gave me a much broader understanding of how many moving parts exist behind a successful business.
What skills did you develop in this internship?
One of the biggest things I gained from this internship was stronger leadership and communication skills. I learned how important it is for managers to balance professionalism, empathy, accountability, and problem-solving all at the same time. I also developed a better understanding of workplace dynamics, employee motivation, and how business decisions affect both staff and customers. Since I was able to observe interviews and hiring conversations, I learned more about what makes someone stand out professionally and how employers evaluate long-term fit within a company culture. Another transferable skill I developed was learning how to analyze business performance using numbers and KPIs instead of relying only on personal observations. I also improved my confidence in professional settings by participating in meetings, asking questions, and communicating with leadership. Time management and adaptability were also important because I balanced a full-time job, internship responsibilities, and being a full-time student at the same time. Overall, the experience helped me feel more prepared for future leadership or operations-focused roles.
How was the internship related to your Applied Humanities degree?
This internship connected to the humanities in many ways because so much of management involves understanding people, communication styles, workplace relationships, and problem-solving. Throughout my internship, I constantly observed how leadership decisions impacted employee morale, customer experiences, and overall business performance. My coursework also helped me think more critically about organizational culture and how businesses create environments that either support or discourage employee growth. Another connection was learning how different people communicate and respond differently depending on situations, which is something we discuss often in Applied Humanities courses. Since my degree emphasizes transferable skills and interdisciplinary thinking, I felt prepared to adapt quickly and contribute in a professional environment.
What did you find challenging about your internship?
One of the most challenging parts of my internship was learning how to shift from an employee mindset to a management mindset. It was easy to focus only on immediate tasks before, but management requires constantly thinking about the bigger picture, including business performance, employee morale, customer satisfaction, and long-term goals all at once. Another challenge was balancing everything in my personal life during the internship. I was working full time, completing my degree, and managing internship responsibilities at the same time, so time management became extremely important. There were definitely moments where I felt overwhelmed or stretched thin. However, I learned that growth usually comes from being uncomfortable and taking on responsibilities that push you outside of your normal routine.
How has your internship experience influenced your plans for your future?
My internship experience influenced me by helping clarify the direction I want to move professionally after graduation. Although my background is primarily in aesthetics and customer service, this experience showed me that I enjoy leadership, employee support, operations, and business strategy just as much as the client-facing side of work. It also made me realize that I want a career where I can continue growing professionally, solving problems, and helping people succeed within organizations. Because of this internship, I have become more interested in HR-related roles, operations, training, and leadership development opportunities. The experience also helped me understand the importance of finding a workplace culture that values communication, mentorship, and employee growth. Overall, the internship helped bridge the gap between being a student and preparing for my long-term career.
What advice do you have for other students as they search for and/or begin their internship?
My biggest advice would be not to underestimate opportunities that already exist around you. I originally did my internship at a workplace I was already familiar with, but I still learned an entirely new side of the business because I was intentional about seeking growth opportunities. I would also encourage students to ask questions constantly and take initiative instead of waiting for someone to hand them experiences. Some of the most valuable moments during my internship came from simply asking to observe meetings, interviews, or management conversations.
Another important thing is understanding that internships do not have to be perfect to be valuable. Sometimes the most meaningful growth comes from challenges, uncertainty, or learning what you do and do not want in your future career. I also think students should focus on transferable skills instead of feeling pressured to have everything figured out immediately. Communication, adaptability, professionalism, and relationship-building are skills that will help in almost any career path. Most importantly, give yourself permission to grow and learn as you go because nobody starts an internship knowing everything.