OREANDA-NEWS. August 24, 2016. This week, we’re sharing some of our interns’ responses to: “What has been the most meaningful or rewarding experience from your internship?”

A chance to make an impact – in the community and at work
The most meaningful and rewarding experience has been my involvement in a challenge offered by the Summer Analyst Program to elevate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within BNY Mellon. Not only have I gotten to work with other skilled interns outside of my department, but I have also been able to research and understand many things that BNY Mellon is currently doing to improve the world we live in today. Furthermore, I have the opportunity to build on what BNY Mellon is already doing with CSR to bolster its growing presence within the company. Being a part of this challenge has given me a venue to make a positive impact on both BNY Mellon and our world, which has been a very rewarding experience. – Chris S., Investment Management, Brooklyn

I volunteered at All Hallows RC High School through a program that encourages transitioning students to make friends and to get involved with the Stock Investment game. It was a rewarding experience for me because I love helping people and working with kids. – Valerie O., Finance, Manchester

After working for the first two weeks on my team, my first deliverable was complete and ready for review. As I crowded into a meeting room, first with my manager and then with two other full-time team members, I was struck by how intently they listened and questioned. I could tell after those meetings that the work I had done was not only appreciated, but it was needed and would be used to affect change. It was incredibly rewarding to know my work would have tangible impact. – Alexandra B., Technology, Pittsburgh

Getting feedback and taking on more responsibility
The most meaningful experience was getting feedback on a project I had been working on for a few weeks. Although I had corrections to make, it was very helpful to see that the work I was doing was benefitting the team.  Beyond that, it was insightful to see how my hard work was being evaluated and what I needed to adjust moving forward. – Max T., Audit, New York

The level of responsibility I was given was both meaningful and rewarding. Within days of starting, I was given a project. My manager told me what she expected, gave me advice about how to go about it and was available if I had any problems or questions, but ultimately gave me a large degree of control and responsibility for the strategy document. Being given important work that you have responsibility for, but can put your mark on, was extremely rewarding. – Conor H., Global Client Management, London

Interacting with colleagues and other companies
I was only here for a week before I was attending an event with Ian Stewart, CEO of Treasury Services and chairman of BNY Mellon Pennsylvania. Not only was it a really fun time, but I had the chance to network with a lot of influential people within my line of business. BNY Mellon truly loves talent, which was evident at this party. In a room full of so many significant and important people, they wanted to hear what I had to say, what I am learning, and what I think of my internship so far. It was an extremely empowering moment. – Juliana G., Treasury Services, Pittsburgh

Bar none, the most meaningful experiences I have had are the conversations with my manager, peer-mentor, and mentor. They have helped me look inward and discover what type of teams and work are the most conducive to the company’s and my own success. – Mohammad A., Risk and Compliance, New York

Meeting senior management of investee or potential investee companies – there is just no replacement for a face-face meeting or company visit. My group is simply wonderful and has provided me every opportunity to attend and participate in company management meetings and visits. I have learned so much in this process and realized that this is exponentially more powerful than just desktop reading. – Anushree G., Investment Management, Boston