Demmi is an intern spending her summer at Hillsdale Fabricators, Alberici’s steel division.
Comfort zone: a place or a situation that you feel safe or at ease, without stress. I never stepped too far out of my comfort zone before the career fair last fall, walking up to people that I aspired to emulate and introducing myself as someone that they should hire. This idea made me more nervous than jumping out of an airplane. Although the career fair was extremely nerve-wracking, I am glad that I did it, as it led me to Hillsdale for for a job that was way out of my comfort zone this summer.
Walking in on the first day of my internship, I am sure that my face was as white as a ghost, voice as shaky as an earthquake. My tasks the first day were small, as the team was easing my way into expanding my comfort zone. At first they had me entering in and reading old RFIs (requests for information) and sitting in on meetings. I noticed after the first two weeks my comfort zone had grown just a little. I started picking up on the habits and asking more questions, and slowly I was given more tasks and responsibility.
By the end of my internship I was able to manage a small project completely, from the time it came in getting through detailing, shop prep, fabrication and final shipment (which was delivered on my birthday of all days.) This was one of the best presents I could have received: a sense of accomplishment and pride, a clear task that has proven how much I have grown and what I can take on. Here on my last week of this internship I can confidently say that my comfort zone has expanded. I have taken my first steps in shaping myself as a professional for the future.
My only regret I is not taking that first step into the career fair earlier. I keep thinking of how much further I could have come if I started sooner. For anyone who is reading this at any stage of their lives, I would say step out of your comfort zone. Set your mind to something and don’t let anyone or anything get you down. If you fall a few times, just LEARN FROM IT and GET BACK UP. Start by dipping your toes in the water and then take a big jump in making the largest splash you can. You never know where that splash might land! MAKE YOUR NORM STEPPING OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE.
For me stepping out of my comfort zone was the best decision I could have made, it has led me to accepting a full-time job here at Alberici.
I just wanted to give a few shout outs to some of the people here at Hillsdale that have helped me expand my comfort zone.
Jeanine, my direct supervisor, who emulated how to be a strong female in this field and prosper through any obstacles.
Julia, the first person I felt the most comfortable with.
Tony, for always giving me tasks that absolutely frightened me and giving me guidance and support to accomplish them.
Kenny, for answering all my questions before and during this internship.
Geoff, for teaching me to look out in the future and chase my dreams no matter what.
These are just a few of the influential people I have met here at Hillsdale, so a big thank you to the entire team for helping me create a new comfort zone.
I can’t wait to see where stepping out of my comfort zone takes me next!
Demmi is an Alberici intern sharing her experiences this summer. For more information, read more about the early days of Demmi’s internship, and meeting new people who helped her build her skills.