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40 PCB007 MAGAZINE I APRIL 2022 When I first logged onto my computer in summer 2021, I was beyond nervous. I had just accepted the role of corporate intern at Cater- pillar Inc., where I would be working on the product service development team. As I started my online internship, I felt like I didn't know anything—and I mostly didn't. e scariest part for me was thinking I would be expected to perform a job I didn't have the knowledge or experience for. But that first day made me real- ize that I wasn't expected to know everything. I was there to learn. What helped me become more comfort- able in my position was being welcomed by several individuals who created an inclusive work environment. One of those individu- als was my mentor, Christine. Within a week, I got involved in Caterpillar's Women's Initia- tive Network and was assigned a mentor to guide me through my internship. Christine not only mentored me but encouraged me to find purpose in my work. She provided me with knowledge and insight into the corporate world, and she encouraged me to learn about the different career paths at CAT. Because of her, I made a variety of connections from the marketing, engineering, and leadership rota- tional programs, and even learned more about travel engineering opportunities. Once I was comfortable in my new role, my internship didn't seem as scary. If I had a ques- tion on a project, I knew someone would be there to help me find an answer. Some parts of my internship were enhanced by the skills I had gained through my schooling. My edu- cation gave me the skills I needed to build stronger relationships with my coworkers and engage quickly with difficult projects. While my education provided me a glimpse into the corporate world, there was still a disconnect Prepping for an Internship? Three Tips to Shore up Your Skills The New Chapter Feature Column by Hannah Nelson, VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY/IPC STUDENT DIRECTOR