Internships are often seen as mere 8 to 5 stints, but my experience this summer at Indium Corporation has been vastly different from this stereotype. This opportunity has enriched me in many ways I never expected and helped me learn about networking, work-life balance, personal development, and so much more.
If I need to sum up my internship experience at Indium Corporation thus far, “unexpectedly exciting” is how I would describe it. As the internship is coming to an end, I'm proud and grateful to say that I have had the opportunity to get to know many amazing individuals here, from managers to lab technicians to executives. I’ve connected not only with fellow interns but also with seasoned professionals who have willingly shared their insights and experiences. These connections have opened doors I didn’t know existed, leading to potential future collaborations and mentorships.
Additionally, connecting with other interns has been a highlight of my internship experience. Every day at noon, all the HQ interns gather for lunch, sharing stories and insights from our different roles and tasks. Throughout the day, we stay connected through a lively group chat where we discuss everything from project updates to weekend plans. We frequently get together during little breaks to grab a coffee or take a quick office stroll to get away from the screen for a short while. Our intern class also gets together every Wednesday after our Lunch-n-Learn's to reflect on our internship journey and discuss challenges we’ve faced, lessons we have learned, and share tips for navigating our respective roles. The time we spent together has not only deepened our understanding of the company but also provided invaluable support and encouragement for each other.
In terms of Lunch-n-Learns, this weekly activity has done its job in fostering engagement and offering valuable opportunities for personal growth. For example, we had a networking event with former interns during the first week's Lunch-n-Learn, through which we learned about their prior experience and how they went on to apply their skills and knowledge gained from this internship to their personal career growth. In another week, we participated in the Utica Proctor Park cleanup as part of the community involvement initiative of the program. Additionally, two weeks prior to our Midpoint Presentation, we had the chance to take a public speaking class with the Dale Carnegie program. The class provided a structured environment where we learned and practiced essential presentation techniques, from persuasive storytelling to body language and vocal delivery, which all proved valuable in our mid-point report. Overall, the Lunch-n-Learn experiences have been so entertaining and enjoyable that I always look forward to each session.
Beyond the technical skills I’ve gained in my role as the Technical Sales Intern, I’ve also grown on a personal level. I’ve noticed my increasing comfort and confidence in working in a dynamic environment. This internship has taught me that effective cross-departmental collaboration requires resilience and creativity. By actively seeking input and expertise from diverse teams, I have been able to address issues more thoroughly and find new approaches that improve outcomes. Looking ahead, I am excited to apply these lessons to future challenges.
Last but not least, my supervisor has been a great mentor who is actively invested in my success. Aside from overseeing my daily activities, my supervisor has fostered an environment of growth and exploration, particularly by helping me network with other professionals and exposing me to various departments at the company—all of which I am extremely grateful for.
Overall, this internship has been a journey of growth and discovery. It’s shown me that beyond the regular 8-to-5 office schedule and the listed responsibilities within each role, there is a welcoming space for learning, networking, and personal development. If you are considering an internship at Indium Corporation, just remember that it won’t be just about the hours you spend at work—it’s about the experiences, connections, and skills you gain along the way. Embrace every opportunity because you never know where it might lead you.