After switching my major to Human Resource Management and Employee Relations midway through my junior year of college, I quickly realized that I needed an internship to gain real world experience. Deciding to intern at JKJ was the greatest career move I have made thus far.
My first week at JKJ was eye opening. Since I am a Human Resource Management and Employee Relations major, I was placed in the Employee Benefits department. Immediately I felt a sense of camaraderie and morale amongst the JKJ employees. What I liked most about the JKJ intern program is that each intern is assigned to a group of mentors. This really helped keep me focus, and have a better understanding of my daily assignments. I was lucky enough to be placed with three phenomenal, intelligent role models who understand Employee Benefits inside and out. As a 22 year old female entering the work force it is inspiring to work with three powerful and motivated women who enjoy their job, and thrive at it. Within my first week at JKJ I had learned more from my mentors than I have learned in my last 3 years at Penn State. I have been given the chance to attend international employee benefit meetings, open enrollments and renewal meetings. I have created important guides, presentations, and spreadsheets for the Employee Benefit’s department which have been utilized throughout the company. It is extremely rewarding, and satisfying to use what I have learned in my Human Resource and Employee Relations classes in my internship position at Johnson, Kendall & Johnson.
Another wonderful aspect about interning at JKJ is the bond that I have created with fellow interns and employees. I believe that this speaks volumes about the company’s organizational culture. As my internship comes to an end, I feel extremely grateful to have learned so much about Employee Benefits and about the business world in general. As a senior graduating in May, I believe that my internship at JKJ has assured me that I want to work in Human Resources and Employee Benefits. Every day has been a new adventure at JKJ, and I will be able to take my newly acquired knowledge from my internship and utilize it in my career.
Author: Mara Scaliti
