I liked the independence that was granted to me because it was very important to learn to make my own decisions sometimes and not always need reassurance from a supervisor. Something I need to work own is being a little less independent and learn to ask questions every once in a while. Being able to work on my own without as much guidance is a great skill for the real world and gave me time to myself daily. I liked this because I like working on my own and proving my worth. I liked the laid back environment of the office. The office was very laid back in the sense where I could come in earlier or later and practically set my schedule every week. Most weeks I worked 8 AM to 6 PM so I could have Fridays off. Sometimes it didn’t work out to do that, but my boss was very lenient about schedules and because I had a key to the office I could open or close if need be. I liked the product we sold because it was sustainable and environmentally friendly and effective and very interesting to learn more about the retail industry and the textile finishing process. I liked the sales aspect of my job as well. It was fun being able to get creative with crafting emails to send to prospects every day. I liked my co-worker as well. We were hired at the same time and worked in the same office together. We became very close over the months we have been working at Consolidated Pathways. I liked how willing my supervisors and employers were to teach me things and make sure I got what I wanted to out of my internship experience.
What I wish was different
The only aspect of the job I did not like was the routine of sitting at a desk for 40 hours a week. I get too stir crazy to be sitting in once place all day long. I became harder to get up in the mornings to simply go and do the exact same thing as the day before. I realize most jobs you do have to sit at a desk every day, but I wish to find a job that allows me to travel or work from home.
Advice
During the internship I experienced free-rein supervision and while I enjoyed working independently I felt that it was almost too much freedom because my boss was usually out of the country traveling for work and my direct supervisors were left in charge of my co-worker and myself and to solve their own problems that arose. Instead, a democratic supervision approach would be easier to work in because there would be more mutually discussion for decision making and suggestions. It would still allow for freedom and taking initiative and give job satisfaction.
