Casondra Rutschke
Major: Business Administration & Management
Company: Kohl’s
Position: Store Management Intern
Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
Why did you choose to work for Kohl’s?
The interview isn’t just about seeing if you’re the right candidate for the position, but it’s also about seeing if they are the right company for you. After applying to and interviewing for several internships, Kohl’s was one of my top choices. After my second-round interview, I knew it was the position for me. The recruiter and interviewers explained exactly what I was looking for in a position and their passion and excitement was contagious.
How did you find your internship?
I found out about this internship from the Career Center and by attending the Business Internship & Career Expo in the Fall of 2016.
Why was it beneficial for you to register for credit(s) through the Internship Program?
Registering my internship through the Internship Program allowed me to continue my degree while getting real-world experience.
What advice would you give a student who is in the process of applying to an internship?
Don’t give up and be yourself! The process of applying to an internship (or a job) is a job in itself, but when you find the company and position that’s right for you, you’ll just know.
What was an average day like for you on the job?
There was no average day – my job was changing every day! Retail is a field I had never experienced before this internship and definitely isn’t for everyone. The Kohl’s Store Management Internship gave me the opportunity to experience every part of the company. From leading the floor associates, troubleshooting registers, unloading trucks, merchandising products, and helping customers, I learned something new every day.
What was the most rewarding part of your internship experience?
By far, the best part of my Store Management Internship was the people I worked with. My coach and mentor was a current Assistant Store Manager and had gone through the internship program a few years earlier and was thus able to provide me with a lot of insight and knowledge. The rest of the team was amazing and embraced me as part of the family. They were like a second family and we celebrated each other’s accomplishments with associate lunches including the occasional Taco Tuesday and even a shrimp boil during my last week.
What was the most challenging part of your job? How did you overcome these obstacles?
Every day was different and I never knew what to expect. Although this made it exciting, it was difficult to overcome the fact that I never really had a “standard” schedule or job duties. Fortunately, my co-workers and mentor were always there to guide me.
How has your internship shaped your ideas for your career? Has it changed your career path?
The Kohl’s Store Management Internship allowed me to explore a new field and confirmed my choice of pursuing a career in management.
Would you recommend having an internship?
Yes, yes, a million times yes! Get more than one if you can! Internships provide a great experience in the working world and allows you to determine if the career path you’ve chosen is right for you.
