This summer I completed an 11-week internship at a law office in Hartford, CT. While I never imagined myself working in the collection legal field, I gained a wealth of knowledge both professionally and personally. Here is what I learned this summer that I would have liked my younger self to know.
- The 9-5 Balance
This was my first real exposure to the 9-5 office job world. I found comfort in the consistency of my routine. Every morning I woke up at 6 am and I could depend on being out of the office by 4 pm at the latest. However, consistency can also lead to your days blending with one another. I had to consciously choose to optimize my work time in order to optimize my personal time. Therefore, I would make plans for after work and the weekends to have something other than work to look forward to.
- Ask Questions
At first, it was daunting to ask questions. However, when asking questions, I found it easier to remember and master the solution to my problem. This ultimately made me more confident in my role. At the end of my internship, I was able to complete my tasks efficiently and independently.
- Find the Positive in Every Experience
While being a legal assistant at a collection law firm is not my intended long-term career, it was interesting to learn the ins and outs of the consumer world. I often found myself reflecting on how the knowledge I gained at my internship could be used in my personal life. This internship has r changed my approach to my personal financial decisions and will likely influence me for the rest of my life.
This summer I learned that jobs and internships are more than just filling an empty space on a resumé. When we reflect on these experiences, they become valuable in shaping who we are, how we think, and what we do next. Needless to say, I am very excited about what internship or experience I find myself in next summer.