Julia Frey assisted Mighty Oak Medical in updating their record system and gained experience in data organization and quality assurance.
How did you get your internship?
I got my internship with Mighty Oak Medical in a pretty unexpected way through my family’s business. One of my mom’s employees quit unexpectedly, leaving the company scrambling to transfer over 10,000 documents into a new system. Knowing I was reliable and organized, my mom asked me if I could step in. Even though it was a family connection, they treated me as if I was an employee they had hired themselves. It was a challenge that forced me to step up and grow both professionally and personally.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience?
The primary focus of my internship was transferring a large amount of documents into a new digital system. This involved reviewing each document for accuracy, ensuring that all necessary attachments were included, and organizing them into their appropriate categories. Beyond this technical work, I collaborated with team members to troubleshoot inconsistencies and developed a workflow to speed up the process without compromising quality. My contributions ensured the system transition was seamless and set a foundation for more efficient operations moving forward. It wasn’t just data entry; it was about understanding the importance of precision and how it impacts the company’s overall functionality.
What new knowledge and skills did you learn and develop in this internship?
Throughout my internship, I developed a stronger understanding of document management systems and gained practical experience with data organization and quality assurance. Additionally, I sharpened my skills in attention to detail, time management, and problem-solving, all of which are transferable to any professional role. This experience also expanded my ability to work under pressure, as the document transfer was time sensitive and required a high degree of accuracy. These skills are not only applicable in the context of hospitality management, which is my career goal, but also in any field that values efficiency and precision.
What did you find most challenging about your internship?
The most challenging part of the internship was maintaining accuracy while managing such high-stakes documents. It was easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when encountering inconsistencies in the data or missing attachments. To address this, I broke down the project into smaller, more manageable tasks. This taught me the importance of staying organized and maintaining focus even when faced with an intimidating workload. I also learned to ask for help when needed, which improved my collaboration skills and reminded me that effective teamwork is key in overcoming challenges.
What was the most significant contribution you made?
One of my most significant contributions was creating a detailed checklist system to track the progress of the document I was setting to transfer. This system not only helped me ensure no files were overlooked but also became a valuable tool for my supervisor and other team members involved in the project. It proved especially helpful in onboarding the person who took over my position when I left. My ideas of utilizing a checklist improved overall efficiency and accuracy, reducing the potential for errors and delays. While it might seem like a small idea, it would bring a big change which would better the future success of the project and was appreciated by my supervisor.
How has your internship experience influenced your plans for your future?
This internship really confirmed that I want a career where I can use my organization, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Everything that lines up perfectly with hospitality management, the field I’m passionate about. It gave me a huge boost in confidence, showing that I can handle unexpected challenges and adapt quickly. I also realized how important transferable skills like attention to detail and working well with others are, no matter the job.
What advice do you have for other students as they search for and begin their internship?
My advice to other students is to embrace any opportunity to learn, even if the internship isn’t in your ideal field. Every experience provides transferable skills that can benefit your career. Approach your internship with an open mind and a willingness to adapt. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or propose solutions, internships are as much about contributing as they are about learning. Lastly, stay organized and proactive, especially when working on large or complex projects. These habits will not only impress your supervisor but also make the experience more rewarding for you.