Christian Otoupalik helped launch a used car dealership as an intern at CT Corsa Auto
Sales, learning about business planning, licensing, market research, and day-to-day operations.
How did you get your internship?
I got my internship through a family member, but it wasn't handed to me. I was interested in learning more about how a business is built from the ground up, and this was a perfect chance to do so in a real work setting. CT Corsa Auto Sales was newly opening up, so there were plenty of chances for me to be involved in the work. Once I expressed interest, I was brought on to help on both the back- end business structuring and the more hands-on, day-to-day operational tasks. It was the perfect balance of structured learning and free-form, off-the-cuff problem- solving.
Why did you choose this internship?
I chose this internship because I wanted something practical and hands-on that would give me an idea of how a business operates from day one. I was always interested in entrepreneurship, but I knew that there was a really big distinction between what you learn in school and what actually happens in the real world. CT Corsa was obtaining licenses, buying inventory, and building a customer base, so I would get to experience — and help with — all the foundational steps. The dealership environment also drew my attention because it encompasses sales, marketing, operations, and customer service all in one.
What kind of work did you do during your internship experience?
I performed a mix of activities that gave me the full picture of what goes into running and opening up a dealership. On the business front, I did research on licensing requirements, helped compile application documents, and did market research to find our first vehicles. I helped make a startup checklist, too, so nothing went through the cracks along the way. On the operations front, I helped get the warehouse set up, handled inventory, and got the facility ready so everything would be there when sales started. I even got experience working up financial projections and thinking about marketing plans, so I had a better sense of how they all relate.
What new knowledge did you learn and skills did you practice during this internship?
One of the most important skills I developed was project management — juggling many things at the same time, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines. I also learned a lot about compliance with regulations, especially how licensing within the states pertains to car dealerships. Market research was another enormous one; I improved at reviewing data and trends so I could be well-informed in my decisions. Communication and collaboration were also something I developed because I was constantly interacting with other people to move projects forward. These are skills that can be utilized in almost any career, so this experience is even more beneficial for my future.
What was the most fulfilling part of your internship?
My highlight was to see how all that we did at the start started to come together. Early on, it was all a lot of paperwork, research, and planning — but when the licensing process dragged on and we started booking our first cars, it all seemed real. That moment of transition from "idea" to "up-and- running business" was thrilling and energizing. It showed me just how much impact regular, behind-the-scenes effort can have in making something happen.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during your internship?
The biggest challenge was dealing with the sluggish, sometimes mercurial pace of regulatory work. Even when we were ready to move ahead, we often had to wait for permission, inspection, or feedback from outsiders before going on further. It was infuriating at first, but I began to appreciate how important patience and perseverance are in business. I also learned the value of making use of that idle time for good — whether it was brainstorming and refining our marketing plan, research on inventory, or streamlining operations so that when the fog did lift, we were ready to go.
How has your internship experience influenced your future plans?
This internship gave me a much more solid understanding of what it is like to begin a business, and it definitely made me all the more hungry for entrepreneurship. I was able to see firsthand how hard it is, yet how rewarding it can be once you start to see some things turn around. It also made me realize that I enjoy positions where I'm able to wear multiple hats — strategizing today and hands-on work tomorrow. In the future, I envision myself possibly owning my own company or working for a small start- up business where I can assist in building something from the ground up.