Grady Intern Diaries: Maggie Cavalenes

Grady Intern Diaries: Maggie Cavalenes

August 16, 2019

This is part of a series where we ask Grady College students to describe their summer internship experience.

Grady College: Briefly describe your internship and responsibilities.
MC: I work with the content team and write social media copy for our three channels (Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn), make short video clips and write articles (like this one!). I have also done work with the consumer experience and corporate social responsibility teams, which I’ve enjoyed!

What was your favorite part about your summer internship?
MC: My favorite part was getting to know everyone at Guardian. It was an open concept office, so nobody could really have an “open door policy”, but it definitely felt like there was one. Every employee, even ones not in my department, felt welcoming and open to grabbing coffee and chatting about my internship, college and beyond. It was really special and nice to feel welcome and appreciated. Nobody hesitated to offer connections, whether personal or LinkedIn, or to take a look at my resume or scout for me for possible interesting job openings.

How did your internship help confirm your desired career path or make you re-evaluate what you want to do in the future
MC: Everyone needs communicators, and I was still slightly hesitant to work for Guardian, an insurance company I knew nothing about. I went for it anyway because it was in New York City, and now I know way more about insurance than I did when I started. I think this helped me see that corporate culture isn’t always stuffed-up or full suit and tie everyday, it can be friendly and flexible as well. This opened me up to going into corporate after I graduate versus other routes like nonprofit or agency public relations.

When you look back on your internship 10 years from now, what part of your summer internship do you expect to be most thankful for?
MC: I expect to be thankful for the independence it taught me. I believe it was a summer of self growth individually and as an employee. I experienced a lot that really proved it’s okay to be the first one to reach out, it’s okay to ask as many questions as you need, and that it’s okay to take on big tasks alone.

What is the most memorable experience you had during your internship?
MC: I helped set up a backpack drive for United Way at the New York office, but in total this event happened across 11 locations. Over 4,000 backpacks were stuffed with school supplies as well as encouraging notes to go to students in the surrounding communities in need. It was great to see this multi-location event come together and to see how Guardian is really committed to its values. Plus, this event was put together by the young leaders resource group, and I really enjoyed everything they did for us over the summer.

How will your summer internship affect the way you approach the rest of your time at UGA?
MC: With a year and a half left, I’ve got jobs and post-graduation on the brain  – scary! But I think my time at Guardian taught me a lot about what I expect from a workplace’s culture, work-life balance, and my coworkers. I hope the skills I have learned at Guardian continue to help me ask good questions and seek what’s best for me. I’m excited to keep improving my writing skills as well as learn more about digital media!

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