Revolutionary Perspective: My Summer Internship Experience

In our first edition of Revolutionary Perspective, we learn about Robby Wacker, who is a graduate student on the GW baseball team. Wacker spent the summer as a Management Rotation Intern at Capital One in McLean, Va.

Name: Robby Wacker
Sport/Year: Baseball/Graduate Student
Major: Master in Management
Internship: Management Rotation Intern
Company/Organization: Capital One
Type: Business/Finance
Location: McLean, VA

1. How would you describe this internship experience to others?
This internship was much different than any other I have seen or experienced. The summer was extremely built out with many programs and features for the interns. The scope of the work was extensive, but a large amount of the summer was dedicated to personal growth and development. Many other internships can offer extensive work or professional development, but the combination of both in such a short time was truly remarkable.

2. What was the process of acquiring your internship? Application, interview, networking?
As soon as applications became available (early August) I began working with the GWSB career center (Julia Browne and Joseph Miranda). After about a month of networking with connections, program leads, and attending information sessions I got the news I had a first round interview. After that, I had two more rounds with senior team members, which included case studies and behavioral interviews. I got my offer in early October, about two months after beginning the process.

3. What are your lessons learned from your process?
The biggest lesson I learned was the importance of being proactive. At each step of my process I was one of the first to act and was not afraid to reach out for information or help. In multiple feedback sessions I was told this separated me from other candidates.

4. Tell us about any new skills, techniques, and knowledge you gained this internship.
The biggest skill I gained this summer was workplace influence. I learned to be a more effective communicator and was able to take on additional projects and meet with multiple senior level executives as an intern. I also learned multiple risk management methodologies which I still use now to help evaluate decisions.

5. What is your greatest take-away from your internship experience? Or what is the greatest lesson you've learned from your internship?
Be present. In all aspects of the job search and life - be present. There are so many opportunities and great experiences that often never get discovered due to sitting back and not jumping in. Doing so will also make your impact more memorable. Ask questions, get involved and don't be afraid of standing out.

6. How does this experience inform your next step in your career path?
I have no set career path yet, but I am returning to Capital One for a two-year rotational program that will give me a wide exposure to all areas of management (project, process, risk, and some product). I have found that I enjoy problem solving, communication and working in ambiguous environments. I am excited to see what path I find to use these strengths as I continue through my rotational program.

7. What recommendations do you have for other students looking for jobs and internships?
Be proactive and use the resources around you. As GW students, we are so lucky to be at a school that not only has top tier resources, but encourages students to use them. This extends to the city of DC as well. You can learn so much from the people and experiences around you. Be confident and branch out, the hardest part is starting.

Here is a video they made with me about the summer as well!
https://youtu.be/2__saLTlwM8?si=CnDEmFSXBck_p1Kf

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