Bianca Corona interned with Wade Window Washing LLC, and gained hands-on experience in small business operations, client communication, and marketing.
How did you get your internship and why did you choose this experience?
I got this internship through a friend who told me about an up-and-coming business based in Vail, Arizona, a small town near Tucson. I was immediately interested because I wanted to see what it was like working with a small business up close. I figured a smaller team might mean more one-on-one experience and a better chance to focus on the details, and that’s exactly what I got. The smaller crew made it easy to get a feel for how everyone worked together and how the business operated overall.
One of my main goals was to get hands-on experience in the service industry, and this internship definitely delivered. I got to see what day-to-day operations really look like for a local company and picked up practical work knowledge along the way. I also paid close attention to what it takes to grow a business, including marketing, scheduling, quality control, and managing a strong reputation. It gave me a much better picture of what it takes to keep a company running smoothly and successfully.
What knowledge and skills did you learn and develop in this internship?
During this internship, I gained an understanding of how a local business operates on a daily basis. I built a strong work ethic and improved skills like time management, organization, and customer service. I also strengthened important transferable skills such as communication and teamwork, which are helpful in any career. I learned how to deliver a sales pitch and how to negotiate with customers, which boosted my confidence when interacting with people in a professional setting. Overall, this experience helped me grow professionally.
How was the internship related to your Applied Humanities degree?
This internship connects well with my Applied Humanities degree because the business really focused on a human-centered approach. I learned how customer relationships influence brand loyalty and reputation. I also helped create marketing strategies that were community-oriented and showed that the business genuinely cares about its customers and the people around them.
What was your favorite part of your internship?
My favorite part of the internship was getting to know the customers and the community in Tucson and Vail. One moment that really stood out to me was meeting a sweet older woman who had two corgis. After finishing a service job at her house, she invited us in, and we got to play with her dogs and hear her story. That experience reminded me that customers aren’t just transactions but rather they’re real people with real lives. It showed me how important it is for businesses to build genuine connections and treat people with care and respect.
What did you find challenging about your internship?
The most challenging part of my internship was learning how to create a marketing plan that would actually attract more customers to the business. I really wanted it to succeed and be something the team found useful, not something that slowed them down. At first, I put a lot of pressure on myself to get everything right on my own. But I realized that it's okay to ask for help and get input from others. Instead of getting stuck wondering if my work was good enough, I learned to ask questions and make sure I truly understood what the team needed.
What advice do you have for students as they search for and begin their internship?
The advice I have for other students as they search for or start their internship is to always keep an open mind. You never know what kind of opportunity you might come across, and you might end up loving something you didn’t expect. I also think it’s really important to reach out and ask for help whenever you need it. There are so many different resources to use to your own advantage when you look into it!