Hawks Hired highlights the accomplishments of soon to be and recent RWU graduates as they take the next steps in their career journeys. Michael Mejia-Gutierrez is an Accounting major with minors in Psychology and Real Estate, graduating in 2027, who served as an intern in Finance Systems for Shawmut Design and Construction. Read on to learn more about his experience stepping into a role that blended finance and software development, and the advice he has for students starting their own internship search.
Read on for his story, and for some genuinely useful advice if you’re in the middle of your own internship search.
What is your program of study at RWU? Accounting, with minors in Psychology and Real Estate.
Graduation year? 2027
Where was this role? Shawmut Design and Construction.
What were you most looking forward to in this role? I was looking forward to learning a completely different side of business. As an Accounting major, working in Finance Systems gave me exposure to both finance and software development. I was nervous at first because I had little experience with this type of work, but with the support of my manager and team, I was able to learn quickly and excel in the role.
Who and what helped you during your internship search process? The Center for Career and Professional Development at RWU was a great resource during my internship search. LinkedIn was also very helpful for finding opportunities and learning more about different companies and roles. My advice: connect with hiring managers directly on LinkedIn. More often than not, they’re posting roles they’re eager to fill, and the sooner you apply, the better your chances.
What advice do you have for students who are in the process of finding an internship? Apply to opportunities even if you don’t meet every qualification. Be open to roles outside of what you’re already familiar with. Internships are meant to help you learn, so don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
How did you land your internship? I found the opportunity through a LinkedIn post and decided to apply. During the interview process, I had a great conversation with my manager that felt very natural and not forced. It made me feel more comfortable and excited about the opportunity.
What was the most valuable part of your internship experience? The most valuable part was working with team members from different regions and backgrounds. I was able to contribute to projects that made processes easier for the Group Finance team by helping develop and improve software solutions. It was rewarding to see that my work had a real impact on the team.
Want to share your next steps or internship experience with the CCPD? Email your Career Counselor to learn more about sharing with us!
