Gissele Cota supported financial analysis for an underground mine in the development phase, including cash management, forecasting, and grant audit preparation.
Why did you choose this particular internship?
Last semester, Pat Risner, the Hermosa President gave an impactful presentation during one of my classes where I learned the true values of South 32: care, trust, togetherness and excellence. Mining is often a topic of concern due to the harm it can cause to the environment and local communities. However, South 32 is doing everything in its power to do mining the sustainable way. I really resonated with this and felt that I wanted to be part of something that was going to make a positive impact not only for the world, but for my community as well. The Hermosa mine being developed by South 32 is near my hometown, Nogales, Arizona. This gives me a different perspective and level of significance because it directly affects my community. Hermosa is being designed as a next-generation, sustainable, and technologically advanced underground mine. I feel truly honored to be part of this project, as it holds significance for me both in my career and personally.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience?
Throughout my internship, I worked on a variety of accounting and financial tasks that gave me a well-rounded experience. I assisted with cash management by tracking inflows and outflows and ensuring accurate records. I also gained knowledge of intercompany transactions, including transfer pricing, which helped me understand how the pricing of goods and services are exchanged between entities within the same company. I also contributed to grant audit preparation by organizing and maintaining detailed financial documentation, which provided insight into compliance requirements and the importance of record-keeping.
What new knowledge and skills did you develop in this internship?
Before my internship, I had no prior experience in either the mining industry nor accounting. During my time with South 32, I was introduced to industry-specific financial processes, cost management, and reporting practices, which helped me gain a clear understanding of how accounting plays a critical role in supporting a large corporate structure. I also developed my technical skills using SAP ERP software, a comprehensive software system that provides real-time insights across the entire organization, to manage financial operations and generate reports.
How did your Applied Humanities major coursework help prepare you or give you unique insight for the internship experience?
The Applied Humanities section of my degree has equipped me with skills to communicate effectively and build strong connections in both academic and professional settings. I was actually not aware of how much the Applied Humanities had impacted me until I gave my final presentation to the leadership team at my company. I received a thoughtful comment from one of my supervisors that really resonated with me. She said that I really have a way of connecting with people and storytelling is a real strong suit of mine. This comment was very meaningful to me, and served as a reminder of the significance of building connections and the impact it can have on others.
How has your internship experience influenced your plans for your future?
This internship experience has greatly influenced my plans for the future. Business Administration is a very broad area with many opportunities to find a niche in different departments. However, I felt that I was not sure which department I should focus on. This internship gave me exposure to different areas in the Finance/Accounting department, which helped me realize that I would like to pursue a Master’s Degree in either Accounting or Finance in the future!
What advice do you have for other students as they search for their internship?
The best piece of advice I can give to students as they begin to search for internships is to be confident, put yourself out there and to take a chance! Even if you feel underqualified or unfamiliar with a certain industry, applying anyway can open doors you never expected. Remember, internships are designed as a learning experience. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone, this might lead you to discover new skills, interests, and career paths along the way you would have never thought about!