Preston Bays

Graduation Year: 2009

Major(s): Economics, East Asian Studies

Campus activities: Intramural Sports (softball, water polo, basketball), Brandeis Swimming and Diving Team

Where are you interning now (or have interned in the past)?

I currently am interning as a financial representative for Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. This is one of the top ten internships in the country for the leading insurance company in the country over the past 25 years. The internship is so highly rated because it allows you to establish your own business, develop a network of contacts and earn financial independence. As an intern, you are not pushing papers, but rather performing the same duties as a full-time financial representative. You shadow senior representatives, observe different approaches and learn how to act professionally at all times.

How did you find your internship?

I applied online through the Hiatt Career Fair, attended a summer intern conference at the John Hancock Center, and specifically requested an interview.

What resources did you utilize to help you prepare for the search?

I submitted my resume to Hiatt for review. Then I used the Brandeis website to narrow my search for possible employers, so that I could use my time more efficiently at the Career Fair. I used the Internet to research companies that interested me.

What ways did you explore to fund your internship?

This internship is based on commissions. However, they provide a $100 per week stipend that covers gas and food.

What are the two most important things you learned through your internship?

Time management and organization play a huge role in this internship. Calling on prospects requires one to manage his calendar. You must always be aware of the time and try to book appointments in close proximity to promote efficiency and avoid the penalty of traffic tie-ups. Organizing yourself starts with waking up early enough to be at work at 730 AM and planning your day to get the most accomplished.

The second most important factor is perseverance. To obtain results in this internship is a game of numbers: 1 out of every 10 people you see will buy something. I learned to look at “failure” as just the next person I had to go through to achieve success.

The most challenging aspect of the position is securing appointments. It can be frustrating at times when family members or friends give you the run around when you are initially seeking only 20 minutes of their time to tell them what you are doing over the summer. Once you mention financial services, many prospects raise their guard. Ironically, I discovered that those who resist are often the people who most need your help. Whether you encounter success or failure, keep your head down and keep on going.

What advice would you give other students looking for internships?

Start early in the Fall. Check out the Brandeis Hiatt Career website. They list all the companies that visit Brandeis, the fields they are in, what sort of candidates they are looking for, and what companies might best suit your major.

How are you connecting this internship to your academic, personal, and career future?

I am continuing to prepare for a career in finance by applying for the Brandeis accelerated 5-year MAieF program offered. My internship enhanced my development of many skills, such as managing my time management, acting professionally, posting and planning my days, “reading” people and discerning their comfort level, and maintaining intelligent conversations with people of all ages. I believe this internship has given me a valuable insight into the business world, and has prepared me for what is to be expected of working adults.