Creating Opportunity and Flexibility Through Networking

Economics major Rodrigo Rivera created his own internship opportunity with the University of Minnesota’s Wesley Foundation by connecting with its director and proposing ways to support finance and development. The experience helped him identify the value of a flexible, collaborative workplace where he can solve problems, build relationships, and take ownership of his work. His advice? Start with your connections. Read more below! 

How did you find your internship? 

I found this internship by networking with the director of the campus ministry that this organization runs, and proposing what I could do for them to improve their finance and development needs.

What do you like most about your internship? What have you learned from this experience?

I really like that the work comes with a lot of benefits and freedoms, in relation to my hours, my tasks, and my ability to make choices in how I think a final result for a project should look like. I also really appreciate the close relationships I've built with my coworkers and with my supervisor, since they make going to work fun. 

Did this internship change how you think about your future career? 

This internship helped me realize that I am looking for a work environment that is collaborative, flexible, and non-cutthroat, because over the course of this internship I have learnt to value my enjoyment of my work, and my freedom to do things my way. I also think I will look for a job where I have to solve new problems constantly, because I've enjoyed that kind of pace at this current internship.

What skills, strengths, or areas for growth did you discover?

I discovered that I am good at stepping up to expectations, and that I work great with structure, and not as well without it. For example, on the weeks that my supervisor assigns me very clear tasks and deadlines, I can be efficient and get them done in time. 

Tips for future Gophers around internships?

I cannot overstate the value of connections when it comes to finding an internship. I have heard many people struggle with applying to a million places and not getting any responses. I would recommend asking the people around you about the kinds of opportunities that they know of or are connected to. You would be surprised where opportunities can come from.