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How interns can do meaningful work and build new skills

October 6, 2022
Gina S.
Gina S.

Fannie Mae

Using her Computer Science degree to help millions gain access to affordable housing wasn’t what Gina set out to do when she started college. But she knew she was passionate about technology and finding a mission she could get behind, which is why Gina chose to join Fannie Mae as a Software Engineer summer intern.

“Fannie Mae’s mission to provide equitable and sustainable housing is vital for the future, and I am so excited to be a part of this mission while learning new technologies that help me grow in the digital technology space,” she said.

Here are three ways Gina found to bring her skills to the table and make the most of her 10-week summer internship:

Provide a new perspective

To apply what she learned in the classroom to real-world challenges, it was important for Gina to be able to share her thoughts openly. As the first intern on her team, she collaborated with her teammates to integrate new technologies into her daily tasks and create a process to benefit future interns.

“Companies that invite new perspectives are likely to foster healthy and open-minded work environments,” she said. “The culture that Fannie Mae facilitates allows me to feel comfortable and encourages me to thrive.”

Learn from your teammates

A valuable aspect of any internship is the opportunity for students to learn from experts in their field. “Being able to work side-by-side with engineers daily has allowed me to gain organic and real-time knowledge about what a developer’s daily tasks encompass,” said Gina.

She gained perspective about what it means to be a software engineer as she starts out in her career. “The internal transformations that I have been a part of this summer have allowed me rich insight on the diligence that happens behind the scenes,” said Gina.

Pursue new development opportunities

In addition to her daily projects, Gina participated in the professional development sessions available to all Fannie Mae interns. “Fannie Mae strives to place employees in their interest areas, so take advantage of all the resources that are provided,” she said. “These opportunities allow you to refine and educate yourself so you can begin to grow and shape your skills.”

The training helped her connect the macro and micro pieces of the mortgage industry puzzle and their solution technologies. “The learning process has been so humbling and insightful,” she said, “it makes me excited for a potential future in the housing industry and at Fannie Mae.”

As an intern, you can add value and contribute meaningful work. Using her voice, taking advantage of learning opportunities, and applying advice from colleagues are key ways Gina found to do impactful work this summer — and you can too.

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