While doing this internship I liked that i was able to grow not only academically but also personally. Southwestern Advantage offered me the learning environment to become the strong, confident and independent woman I always wanted to become. I grew tremendously in my soft skills and as a science major that is something extremely looked for in employers. The friendships that I developed have molded me outside of the summer internship. It is an internship in which you can grow tremendously and for that I am forever grateful.
What I wish was different
I wish I would’ve learned about Southwestern Advantage earlier in my academic career. I’ve seen how much it’s made me grown as an individual and wish I could have had time growing at a younger age.
Advice
I would advice that if you’re a college student who really wants to set themselves apart from the rest to try this out. My resume stands out from all the other Geography and Environmental Sustainability majors here at utsa and quite honestly nationwide due to this.
2
${count} people found this helpful
Independent Contracted
May - August 2018 • Columbia, SC
What I liked
You learn skills only available through on the job experience. Everything was real and the outcome is 100% up to you.
What I wish was different
Advice
If you have a drive to become better than you are now, this internship will find your strength so and your weaknesses and help you use them to your advantage.
5
${count} people found this helpful
Sales Intern
May - August 2018 • Buffalo, NY
What I liked
The best thing about my experience with Southwestern Advantage was the leadership. The company is extremely dedicated to the success of the students who participate in the program. I also appreciated the networking opportunities, challenging work schedule and the fun-loving culture of the company.
What I wish was different
I would not change anything about my experience!
Advice
I think it is important to understand that the the program is extremely challenging and it will push the boundaries of your comfort zone. However, if a student is committed to being coachable and working hard, the reward at the end of the summer is so worth it and the skills you learn will last a lifetime.
10
${count} people found this helpful
Student Manager
February 2017 - August 2018 • Nashville, TN
What I liked
I like how the experience helped me pay for school. Its a really hard job to do and really helps you develop soft skills that are needed in future careers. The people you meet in the internship will become some of your best friends.
What I wish was different
The recruitment process is a tad bit pushy if you get a return offer. There isn't any time during the summer for family or free time at all for that matter.
Advice
Anyone can be good at it. It is a really hard job and there are no guarantees for pay but it does give you many options for future internships and careers. Make sure you're ready to work 80+ hours a week.
9
${count} people found this helpful
Small independent business owner
May - August 2018 • Monroe, GA
What I liked
I loved all the knowledge and professional experience I gained through this internship.
What I wish was different
I wish management was a little more hands on and service minded.
Advice
This experience has helped shape me into the person I will someday become, wouldn't change it for the world.
1
One person found this helpful
Independent Contractor
May 2017 • Nashville, TN
What I liked
Awesome coworkers, Commission pay (so I made $20k), Allows work on/ learn communication, leadership, problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and sales skill, Travel incentives (i.e. trip to Mexico if performance is above average)
What I wish was different
Wish there was more choice as to where the internship was located (assigned a sales locality in another part of the country). This being said, I understand that this is an important part of the internship--it allows students to be outside of their comfort zones.
Advice
You get in what you put out--students who do not/ aren't willing to put in the work will reflect neutrally/ negatively about the internship. However, those students who were able to buy into the program got more out of the internship both skills-wise and financially.
7
${count} people found this helpful
Independent Marketer
May - July 2018 • Severn, MD
What I liked
I liked that I got to travel out of the south and stay with a host family.
What I wish was different
I wish that it would have been on salary or weekly wage.
Advice
Work hard and focus on the positives of the situation you’re in.
5
${count} people found this helpful
Salesperson
May 2018 • Cowlesville, NY
What I liked
This opportunity allowed me to experience more personal growth than I ever have, and I was able to improve my skill set tremendously. The best part was that the people I work with and for are some of the most friendly, hard-working, fun individuals I have ever met.
What I wish was different
I wish I would have prepared more for the summer and focused more on my goals during it.
Advice
Do not let the fact that it sounds hard scare you away, do it because it is hard. You will have the chance to become the best version of yourself and prove that you can do anything.
17
${count} people found this helpful
Salesperson
May 2018 • Cowlesville, NY
What I liked
The experience helped me grow as a person, and I was able to increase my skill set tremendously. The people I work with are some of the most determined, friendly, fun people I have ever met. The company cares about you as an individual, from your coworkers to the president.
What I wish was different
I wish I had prepared more before starting the summer and taken my goals more seriously.
Advice
Don't shy away because it sounds hard. Do it because it is hard. With this, you can learn how to coach yourself through any situation and talk to anyone.
8
${count} people found this helpful
Educational consultant
May - August 2018 • Altoona, PA
What I liked
The experience was
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Southwestern is one of the best companies to work for and develop yourself along the way
2
${count} people found this helpful
Direct sales
May - August 2018 • Nashville, TN
What I liked
I loved the opportunity that Southwestern Advantage offered as far as the experience of running an independent business, which allowed for tremendous personal growth, financial freedom as a college student, and not only a great network of other college students but an amazingly supportive and encouraging work environment.
What I wish was different
The biggest challenge is working a lot.
Advice
This internship is not cut out for everyone. I have done this internship for the past two summers and if you're not someone of high character, who loves to challenge themselves, get outside of your comfort zone and stride towards the ebst version of yourself then you shouldn't do the internship. However, this internship is the most challenging and the best thing a college student can do.
6
${count} people found this helpful
Student Leader
August 2017 • Uniontown, PA
What I liked
I heard about SW through an announcement in class at CU in 2017, and just completed my second summer with the program after I was invited back to be a student leader during my first summer. I liked that I got to travel, meet a ton of people, work on identifying and developing my weaknesses, and that there was no cap to my earning potential. I also liked the fun group activities we did like white water rafting and skydiving.
What I wish was different
I wish I had saved up some more money to go before because I had some unexpected expenses that really took a toll on my final profits, but luckily I made enough to cover them and still come out with a profit at the end.
Advice
If you’re trying to decide whether or not to do Southwestern, take the leap and do it. It’s a wild ride and I wouldn’t trade my experiences for any amount of money. It’s worth it. Don’t just test the waters to see if you like it, go all in or you’re cheating yourself.
19
${count} people found this helpful
Salesperson/Student Leader
May - August 2017 • Knoxville, TN
What I liked
The opportunity to run my own business and problem solve on my own, interact with people from so many different background, and opportunity for leadership advancement in the program.
What I wish was different
Advice
This isn't for everyone. Super extensive interview process to determine if this is right for you. You will have to contact a student leader like myself to be considered for the program.
21
${count} people found this helpful
Walker
May - June 2016 • College Station, TX
What I liked
The internship was very fun when we were in Tennessee and met people from all over the country.
What I wish was different
Eevrything beside the training. The staff did not care about your saftey, and their biggest concern was selling books at any and all costs.
Advice
Do not do this internship unless you want to be treated very poorly for your entire summer.
2
${count} people found this helpful
Educational Consultant
May - August 2018 • Nashville, TN
What I liked
I loved this experience! I liked the amount of growth that happened, I enjoyed the people that I got to work with and I loved learning more about myself and what I want to do in the future
What I wish was different
Advice
Do it. Everything is going to work out exactly as it is supposed to as long as you just keep going.
