Inside the Internship: Meet Genevieve Chiellini

Starting an internship can be both exciting and a little uncertain. You know you’re going to learn new things, meet new people, and gain experience, but it is hard to know exactly what to expect. My internship with Yardnique gave me the opportunity to step outside of the classroom and experience what it is like to work in a professional environment while learning more about what areas of business piqued my interest.

From the beginning, I was excited to see how the skills and ideas I had developed through my management and marketing classes could translate into real-world work. One of the most rewarding parts of my experience was realizing that professional work often looks different from what you would think based on what college teaches you. There were new challenges, different expectations, and plenty of opportunities to learn along the way.

Getting Started

When I first started at Yardnique, one of the biggest adjustments was getting familiar with the company, the people, and the day-to-day workflow. It felt like I was learning a foreign language, with terms like “SEO” and “SOP” that became a part of everyday conversation.

As I became more comfortable, I was able to take on more responsibilities and become more involved in different aspects of the work. I quickly learned that an internship is not just about completing assigned tasks, but also about paying attention, asking questions, taking initiative, and understanding how your work contributes to a larger goal.

Learning Through Real Experience

One of my favorite parts of the internship was getting the chance to work on projects that made a difference. Rather than simply learning about concepts in a classroom, I was able to see how they are applied in a professional setting.

During my time at Yardnique, I had the opportunity to help bring the company’s new website to life. This experience helped me develop my skills in time management while also teaching me how to approach problems and adapt when things did not go exactly as planned.

There were definitely moments when I had to figure things out as I went. Those moments ended up being some of the most valuable because they pushed me to ask for help and rely on the team when I did not have the solution.

Working With a Team

Another major part of my experience was learning what it means to work as part of a professional team. At school, you often work with classmates who have similar goals and schedules. In an internship, you are working with people who have different roles, responsibilities, experiences, and priorities.

Working alongside the team at Yardnique gave me a better understanding of how communication and collaboration can affect the success of a project. I learned the importance of being willing to listen, communicate clearly, accept feedback, and contribute wherever I could.

Our social media was a project the marketing team was very excited to jump on. Through extensive research and brainstorm sessions, we were able to bring our social media pages up to speed with today’s times as well as feature members of our team and see how much joy it brought them.

What I Learned

Looking back on the early days of my internship, I've gained so much more than experience in marketing. I have developed real skills that will carry me forward into future jobs and opportunities.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned was what a difference being a part of a cohesive team can be. The marketing department was always in communication and always willing to help each other out. I also became more comfortable with communication, problem-solving, and technology. Most importantly, I learned that professional growth comes from being willing to ask questions and learn from the people around you.

The internship also gave me a better understanding of what I enjoy doing and what I might want to pursue in the future. Having the chance to experience the field firsthand helped me connect my academic interests with potential career opportunities.

Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone

An internship is also an opportunity to do things that may initially feel unfamiliar. Throughout my time at Yardnique, I found myself taking on responsibilities and situations that challenged me in ways I hadn't necessarily expected.

Whether it was creating reports on Excel or reaching out to potential clients, I learned that being uncomfortable does not necessarily mean you are unprepared. Sometimes it simply means you are learning something new.

Those experiences helped me become more confident and reminded me that I don't need to know everything before getting started. Being willing to learn can be just as important as already having the answer.

Looking Back

As I reflect on my time with Yardnique, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from a professional team and gain experience outside of the classroom. The internship gave me a better understanding of what the world of business looks like, but it also taught me valuable lessons about communication, teamwork, responsibility, and personal growth.

I know that the specific projects and tasks I worked on will be useful as I continue building my resume and career, but I think the broader lessons will be even more valuable. I learned more about how I work, what I enjoy, and the kind of professional I want to become.

My internship with Yardnique was an important step in my professional development, and I am excited to take what I learned into whatever comes next.