I decided to apply with Young Entrepreneurs Across America and run my own business with Student Painters back in the fall of 2021! As an Entrepreneurship Major at UD, I was certainly on the hunt for a professional development experience that would help me to see if I was actually cut out to be an entrepreneur. After being hired in November of 2021, I went on to participate in Student Painters training events, learning to augment my marketing skills and craft myself into a more effective leader. Now finishing off the summer, I can confidently say that this has been the best working experience I've ever had! Not only have I worked closely with some amazing individuals, but I've also had the opportunity to build upon my strengths and better regulate my weaknesses as a leader. As such, I feel so much more confident in my ability to delegate, express bad news, negotiate, lead a team, market to complete strangers, and foster connections with my team, mentors, and customers. This has been an eye-opening experience, sometimes in the most frustrating yet rewarding ways, and I can't wait to see where it will take me next!
What I wish was different
I wish I had taken the time to interact with more of my fellow branch managers! The students I worked with on a day to day basis were incredible and I wish we had more time together!
Advice
Just remember that this is a learning experience! There will be plenty of times where you feel overwhelmed, but if you trust the process and rely on your mentor everything will work itself out!
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Branch Manager
February 2021 • Cleveland, OH
What I liked
There are many things to like about Student Painters. First, the culture is young and energetic. There are multiple events throughout the year that inspire personal relationships. The mentorship team has helped me grow tremendously over the past two summers. There is great learning that comes with the program which helps develop skills including leadership, communication, sales, and more. There is also great pay! Overall an awesome experience!
What I wish was different
In my first year, I worked 50+ hours a week for multiple weeks in the summer. I definitely made sacrifices to run the business at the level I did. I ended up being the rookie manager of the year. With all that I learned, I was able to save a lot of time in our second year.
Advice
Be prepared to work and learn as you have never before in your life. It will pay off.
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Branch Manager
September 2019 - August 2020 • Maynard, MA
What I liked
I loved the experience of being able to run my own business over the Summer. I controlled my schedule, who I worked with, and found all my own sales. The ability to work for yourself and having all the hard work you put in pay off was an amazing experience.
What I wish was different
I wish that I could've had a longer Summer and time to work for this company.
Advice
You're going to get hit with endless obstacles, but at the end of the day your character improves significantly and everything gets easier after a first encounter.
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Branch Manager
January 2022 • Macomb, MI
What I liked
My favorite part about working for YEAA has definitely been being surrounded by like-minded individuals who all have a passion for pushing themselves to be the best possible version of themselves. It's not everyday you have the privilege of speaking with people who possess the same desire to break records and achieve goals as you. However, entering this culture provided just that. The network only one could dream to have.
What I wish was different
I wish I would have knew what I know now back when I first started. Learning the steps to success takes time and effort, however, knowing more than just theory back when I first began would have propelled me to finish the summer off stronger.
Advice
I advise anyone considering this opportunity to fully know that the success of this internship doesn't come easy. You must be willing to manage your time efficiently to ensure that all of the necessary tasks are being completed in order to successfully launch your business come May. It doesn't end there though; being self-driven and highly motivated are musts.
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Branch Manager
March - August 2023 • Columbus, OH
What I liked
At Young Entrepreneurs Across America, you get the opportunity to run a $100k+ business and you will experience a tremendous amount of personal growth. I was able to run a $121K business and have changed my life. I would recommend it to any motivated and driven students!
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Listen to your mentor!
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Branch manager
February 2023 • Bellefonte, PA
What I liked
I loved all of the growth opportunities that the company was able to offer me! I was able to grow professionally and personally. I was able to increase my confidence by a ton!
What I wish was different
Nothing!
Advice
If given the chance, be a part of this program! It has been nothing but rewarding to me!
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Branch Manager
November 2023 • Shelby Township, MI
What I liked
The real-life applications of marketing, sales, employing, and management I have experienced so far in this internship. along with the community of like-minded future entrepreneurs.
What I wish was different
This internship requires more time and thought than anything I have ever done before. I don't necessarily wish this were not the case, but I wish I had a better understanding of how much responsibility I was taking on.
Advice
If you are thinking about being a branch manager, I would make sure you are truly all-in on committing to this position. This is a position you need to feel passionate about.
