I recently talked about the pivot, and how it’s OK if you wind up doing something completely different than what you initially set out to do. On the flip side, an internship can also help confirm that you’re on the right path and that your interests are still in alignment. That’s the case with today’s #myinternhustle feature, Jonathan. He was very intentional with the finance internships he pursued, and he managed to juggle them gracefully alongside his involvement with extracurriculars — including his responsibilities as a student-athlete on Mount Union’s competitive football team. Read on to learn more about Jonathan’s journey and what he learned along the way.
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Name: Jonathan Konz
Education: The University of Mount Union, Major: Finance / Minor: Accounting, 2018
Did you have a dream job or specific career path in mind when you started college? If yes, what was it?
To be the CEO/CFO of a Fortune 500 Company or to run a finance based company of my own.
What internship(s) were a part of your Intern Hustle?
- October 2016 – October 2017: Mount Union Fund, Student Intern
- January 2018 – May 2018: North Coast Angel, Private Equity Research Intern
How did you get your internship(s)?
I reached out to my University when I saw the opportunity for a position that would further my exposure and experiences. Additionally, I had a close friend who worked for North Coast Angel that I reached out to for the opportunity to gain some internship experience with their fund.
Name the top three highlights from your Intern Hustle.
- Organization and efficiency are so important. The data I had to input and catalog for Mount Union’s fund demanded nothing but the best of my analytical and organizational skills.
- Starting your own business is hard but rewarding. With North Coast, we were able to watch so many small to mid-sized technology companies present their ideas for 1st round funding and investments. It wasn’t easy and it took a lot of work. Ultimately, a rewarding experience when a business owner can create something new.
- Teamwork is so important. Although I wasn’t part of a specific team or group, the people I worked with, both my superiors and co-workers alike, all played crucial roles in the success of the internships I worked in. How you work and learn from others will help you ten-fold in the long run!
What is one of the biggest challenges you faced during an internship and what did you learn from it?
Deadlines!!!! As a former student-athlete and contributor to several other extracurricular activities, I always had a full plate — which meant I was always trying to multitask. Not a bad thing, but at the same time its important to focus on the task at hand, especially when at work. One objective, one step at a time.
What is the most unexpected skill you gained from an internship?
Patience. It’s important to observe and listen before jumping into things. And that takes discipline and patience. It is very easy to become eager and rush into things, but patience puts things in perspective and gets you on the right track.
What internship advice do you have for college students?
Your personality and your ability to work with others is so important and will take you so far. Half the battle these days with any career/occupation is working with people.
Did your desired career path shift at all based on your internship experience(s)? If yes, in what way?
Not entirely. I have always wanted to get into finance/business, and these internships exposed me to some of the low level work and experiences that will get me there.
Were you offered a job as a result of your Intern Hustle? Tell us about it!
Despite interning at various institutions/positions I did not end up getting an offer from those places. On the other hand, it was those experiences that helped build my resume for the positions I would ultimately seek out as a graduate. I am happy to share that I recently accepted an offer from Orgel Wealth Management in Eau Claire, Wisconsin! A closed door always leads to one that is open, so to those out there who’ve gone through the internship process and are now job searching, keep on trucking and always be ready for that golden opportunity.
And for the final question…What’s your party trick?
I can do some really funny voice impersonations.
(What a great way to break the ice at networking events…bound to have people smiling and engaging in no time!)
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Do you have a #myinternhustle story to share? Or do you know someone else who does? Email me and I’ll send you the details on how you can apply to be featured.
