by Jeremy Smith
Major: Computer Science
Minors: IT/Networking and Psychology
I could not have asked for a better experience than my internship this summer with St. Paul Travelers in Hartford, CT. The sense of community I continuously felt was unbelievable. It was exciting for me to realize that, in what was such a structured environment, close friendships and an atmosphere of support could be established.
My co-workers were my professors. On a daily basis they poured their knowledge into me. None of my questions ever went unanswered and I never felt reluctant to ask more. My manager, Frank Kupiec '00, made sure that I was challenged and encouraged me to take chances. He wanted me to use new tools and applications as often as possible. The support system my co-workers established for me pushed me to not only dive into the work of the department but into the family. The friendships I gained are nothing less than amazing.
The St. Paul Travelers internship program is great. My schedule consisted of productive workshops, networking events and even executive presentations. During one week of the summer, representative employees from various departments within the company thoroughly explained the work they complete daily. This provided a greater understanding of the company as a whole, and I was able to see how the technology of the company drives the various business operations. My time with St. Paul Travelers has been a life changing experience. No classroom or textbook could ever be a substitute.
When he graduates in May, Jeremy (pictured at right) has been invited to join the St. Paul Travelers team. Mount grad Frank Kupiec '00, also a computer science major, was Jeremy's manager and mentor during his summer internship. He is now District Operation Manager at St. Paul Travelers. Says Frank, "When filling a vacancy in my organization, I look for college graduates with co-op or internship experiences because they exhibit high initiative and adapt to the corporate culture much quicker than those without such experience. Personally, the numerous experiences I had with the Co-Op Office as a Mount student have played a very significant role in the success that I have enjoyed in my own professional career.
As a manager, I would never hesitate to hire a student who has been prepared by the MSMC Co-Op Office and I encourage every student to take advantage of their services. Specifically, I know that any student that has worked with the MSMC Co-Op Office has been groomed for success through the workshops and one-on-one coaching that the members of the Co-Op Office provide. Jeremy is a perfect example of how well the Co-Op Office prepares students for the business world. He exemplified professionalism, and his energy and team focus were enormous assets to my organization."
The Division of Mathematics and Computer Science
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