How These Three Interns Leveled Up with #LifeAtDiscover
We chatted with a few interns – now part of the full-time rotational program – about leveling up, the vibes of their internship experience, and what they value in a company.
Name: David
Title: AARC Senior Data Science Analyst
Pronouns: he/him
Location: Chicago, 606
Compared to my time in college, I have developed myself professionally, and personally through my experiences with working in the AARC program, career development opportunities, and the diversity of the people I interact with daily. I have also honed my communication and problem-solving skills, and I have grown to appreciate the importance of diversity in the workplace.
I will never forget the first day of the internship program. I remember not knowing exactly what to expect, but here I am – growing and developing in a job that gives me space to continuously improve myself in all aspects. I value a company that provides me with opportunities to hone my skills and grow, and most importantly, a good work life balance. At Discover, I get to enjoy all of these!
Name: Sanjana
Title: AARC Senior Data Science Analyst
Pronouns: she/her
Location: Chicago, 606
There have been a few "leveling up" moments in my post-college adventure. Like the time I successfully assembled an IKEA bookshelf without any leftover parts – a true life–skill achievement if you ask me.
On a more serious note, professionally, mastering the art of multitasking and being able to juggle more tasks than I have fingers has been a substantial skill I've developed since my early working days. It's been a rewarding journey of growth, and I'm excited to keep unlocking new levels of awesomeness!
A standout moment of my internship was a ping pong tournament that the interns had at Riverwoods—guess who showed up to award the medals? Yep, you guessed it – Roger, [our former CEO], probably wondering how interns turned the office into a sports arena!
Undoubtedly, I believe a workplace should be a space for both professional and personal growth. I've found just that. The working environment fosters an atmosphere which encourages my development as a professional, allowing me to spread my wings and soar to new heights. It's equally important to me that the people I work with are not only resourceful but also kind-hearted. And I must say, the team I'm a part of ticks both those boxes wonderfully. So, yes, I've struck gold in terms of what I value in a company, right here.
Name: Gregory
Title: Consumer Banking Leadership Participant – DPL Pricing Analytics
Pronouns: he/him
Location: Riverwoods
My favorite “level up” moment was when I received a consumer banking excellence award in March. My team had some internal movement and I volunteered to take on some additional responsibility. My manager trusted me to get the job done—not because of my experience but my work ethic. With that recognition, it definitely paid off!
Project/time management was a skill I always heard of but didn’t know how to use in my work. Doing multiple projects/tasks at one time gave me the hands-on experience to be able to develop that skill. It also helped me in my personal life, by teaching me how to make time for the people I care about and not only focus on work.
A memory from my internship that stands out to me was being able to give back to the community by volunteering. It was surprising that a company sponsors its employees to volunteer during work hours. I, along with other members of Discover, were able to work with North Chicago Community Partners and complete landscaping for an elementary school. Since then, I have volunteered many times with different organizations.
The thing I value most in a company is work-life balance and Discover puts an emphasis on it. There are several things I can talk about, like generous PTO, social events, and benefits—but one example I can recall was when my dog had a stomach issue and I had a big meeting with senior leadership. I didn’t know how to handle it, but I spoke with my manager who told me without hesitation to log off and take care of my dog. I’m forever grateful for the supportive culture here.
Looking to level up and find your spark? Our internship applications for 2024 are currently open. To learn more, check out our Students & Graduates page.