Reflecting on my Summer Internship at AvePoint
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- embarking on my first business trip to Arlington for a marketing offsite;
- joining multiple AvePoint employee resource groups (ERGs); and
- being encouraged and empowered to take measured risks and own my career.
Collaboration at AvePoint’s Marketing Offsite in Arlington
To build on all we learned during the day, we worked together to prepare a delicious meal in a group cooking class. Cooking in tandem demonstrated the power of teamwork – one of AvePoint’s core values. I arrived home even more aware that when we all work together, we can do amazing things. While the cooking class featured world-class ravioli, it ultimately highlighted the power of teamwork and collaboration to accomplish our goals.
Finding Community through AvePoint Employee Resource Groups
Participating in two ERGs – Women in Tech and Queers and Allies – has helped me feel at home, even while I was still learning the ropes at AvePoint. These groups immediately gave opportunities to connect with people like me from week one of my internship. My deeply supportive manager, Senior Manager of Communications Nicole Caci, not only happily connected me to ERGs, but made sure I had room in my schedule to attend meetings.
For example, Women in Technology had an engaging speaker talk about her career path, ranging from insights on working abroad to navigating challenges as a minority executive. Queers and Allies had a cozy fireside-chat-style conversation for Pride Month, where we chatted about our favorite podcasts. I also had the opportunity to join in our company’s celebrations of and Pride Month, and both were incredibly moving. Watching others speak openly about adversities they’ve faced inspires me to continue embracing my own identity.
Feeling Empowered to Thrive as an AvePoint Intern and Beyond
AvePoint took many actions to ensure my fellow interns and I were encouraged to own our respective careers. The Talent Acquisition Team was candid and encouraging, especially during the hiring process and throughout my team here, including when they hosted a Professional Development meeting that addressed questions about job application preparation. We were welcomed by everyone, so I quickly felt comfortable striking up conversations and fostering connections to successfully complete projects.
Individually, interning at our corporate headquarters in Jersey City has been a joy. Everyone – from my peers to our executive leadership team – took the time to get to know me and understand the work I was doing. I’ve supported our brand objectives in meaningful ways, aiming to drive brand awareness, elevate brand reputation and increase brand awareness. My team consistently acknowledges my contributions and always takes time to provide detailed feedback for improving my skillset. From our very first conversation to now, my manager emboldened me to advocate for myself and chart my own path.
As I wrap up my internship at AvePoint, I’m filled with gratitude for everything I’ve accomplished. My time has been transformative, allowing me to travel, build community, and truly feel supported as an intern. A huge thank you to everyone at AvePoint for the best summer.
To learn more about opportunities at AvePoint, visit our website.
Shannon is AvePoint’s 2023 Corporate Communications Intern, helping to elevate the AvePoint brand with responsibilities across brand measurement and analysis, PR, earned media outreach, writing projects, and more.
