STUDENT NAME: Elizabeth Adames
MAJOR: Marketing and International Business
CLASS OF (GRADUATION YEAR): December 2017
NAME/ LOCATION OF INTERN SITE: Fastenal Company
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Analyze research for country of origin, US tariff codes, and export control classification numbers, respond to store requests accurately and efficiently, and maintain and update product restriction databases.
HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT THIS INTERNSHIP?: Adjunct Professor and Saint Mary’s Graduate, Amy Konkel, informed me about this opportunity.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST FAVORITE PART OF THE INTERNSHIP: I enjoy being part of the work force as opposed to just hearing about it. I feel like I am making a big contribution to the company by assisting in with analyzing research for country of origin, US tariff code, etc. as it is an important part of being a multinational corporation.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE INTERNSHIP: For me the most challenging in the beginning was getting used to the PC software, surprisingly the software is a little outdated and I have been using Mac for quite a while, so getting used to the PC at first was challenging but I have finally adjusted. Additionally, learning all about the government compliance of exports, which was a lot to take it at first.
WHAT’S BEEN THE BIGGEST LESSON(S): My biggest lesson at interning at Fastenal Company is no matter what size or where in the world you are, you can do business internationally. This company down the road from Saint Mary’s University started in this very small town Winona, and has made its way all over the world to the UK, Germany, Switzerland, etc.
ADVICE TO OTHER STUDENTS PREPARING FOR AN INTERNSHIP: Apply for internships as early as possible and follow up in the application process. Also, network, network, network – it is sometimes hard to distinguish yourself on computer, so putting yourself out there to the people you know through word of mouth you will get places.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE: I think internships are a great way of getting your feet wet into the career you want to take up. It can teach you a lot of things, about the work place, as well about yourself and what you want.