Internship Experience Spotlight: Phoebe Dainer

Phoebe Dainer is a sophomore who completed the ACES Living and Learning program last fall. As part of the LLP requirements, students must engage in experiential learning through an internship or research. Phoebe interned at Bloomberg over the summer and has shared her experience of preparing for, securing, and engaging in her internship with us.

Preparation and Planning

The first step was to research potential internship opportunities and identify which companies and roles to apply for. Phoebe explained how there were a lot of helpful apps and websites that she used, such as Handshake and LinkedIn. In addition, attending UMD and ACES career and networking events provided a great opportunity to speak with recruiters and gain insight into different roles.

To craft strong application materials, Phoebe initially drafted her resume and cover letters by following online resources, including YouTube videos and articles. However, she found that seeking resume reviews from upperclassmen and recruiters significantly improved her resume. By incorporating their feedback, she was able to present a polished and competitive application.

Networking also played a crucial role in securing her internship. She attended company-hosted career events, spoke to recruiters, and maintained contact through LinkedIn and email. Additionally, she sought guidance from upperclassmen in student organizations, leveraging their experiences and connections to refine her application strategy.

Interview Experience

To prepare for internship interviews, Phoebe practiced extensively on platforms like LeetCode and HackerRank. She focused on recognizing patterns in technical questions and improving her problem-solving efficiency. Instead of memorizing specific syntax, she concentrated on fundamental concepts such as data structures and algorithms. After each practice session, she reviewed solutions to identify areas for optimization.

A unique aspect of her preparation was practicing problems aloud as if explaining her thought process to an interviewer. This exercise helped her feel more comfortable during actual interviews, allowing her to articulate her reasoning clearly and confidently. Despite initial nerves, she found that interviewers were generally supportive and interested in seeing candidates succeed. She emphasized that even when she struggled with a problem, breaking it down in pseudocode and asking for clarification helped her find solutions.

On-the-Job Experience

Phoebe’s typical day at Bloomberg started at 8AM with independent work before the team’s stand-up meeting, where each member shared updates on their tasks. Throughout the day, she collaborated with her mentor and team members, asking for guidance whenever necessary. She emphasized the importance of seeking help early rather than struggling alone for too long.

Lunch provided an opportunity to network with fellow interns and team members, fostering professional relationships. The afternoons were filled with more work, meetings, and one-on-one check-ins with her mentor or team lead. She also attended planning and Request for Comment (RFC) meetings, where team members discussed proposed solutions and provided feedback. Sometimes, the company would host intern events after hours, such as bowling and candle-making, which Phoebe enjoyed attending as it was a time where she was able to bond with peers outside of the work setting.

Advice for Other Students

Reflecting on her experience, Phoebe shared valuable advice for students seeking internships:

Expand Your Network: Attend career events, connect with recruiters, and join student organizations to build meaningful relationships.
Keep an Open Mind: Be flexible about potential opportunities, as unexpected roles can lead to incredible experiences.
Apply Early: Many companies open applications months or even a year in advance. Staying proactive ensures you don’t miss out on opportunities.
Practice Smartly: Instead of memorizing interview answers, focus on developing problem-solving skills that can be applied to a variety of challenges.
Ask Questions: During interviews, ask insightful questions about the role and company. Genuine curiosity leaves a positive impression on interviewers.

Phoebe’s journey from preparation to completing her internship highlights the importance of research, networking, and continuous skill development. Her experience at Bloomberg provided her with invaluable knowledge and professional growth, setting a strong foundation for her future career.

Published January 31, 2025