Minority nervous for BB internship
I'm going into a S&T rotational internship at a BB this summer. I know this is a crazy opportunity that I am so thankful for but I can't help but feel like I am not prepared to speak professionally at all times and I just don't want to work 70 hours a week for my full time job.I know I am a hard worker and will adjust anyway but there is just so much I don't know because I come from a low income family and ever really had people to look up to and I just feel like this BB is not the place to make mistakes at. I have a lot of confidence in myself but this is the first time in my life that I just don't know if I deserved this opportunity.This sounds like I am very weak but I really believe in myself and I generally impress a lot of people with how I carry myself. These are just my back ground thoughts that I can't seem to resolve so I am just struggling with this.Any advice, thoughts, or past experience? Update:I feel a million times more confident now and I am actually so excited for my internship. I have been networking a lot with people within my division and they are so nice and welcoming. All the advice I have received on here so far has been insanely impactful, you have no idea. Thank you everyone!
Extra Update: Got a FT offer after the internship and just started working at the firm. I fit right in and truly enjoy the environment. It was an adjustment (and still is at times) but I fully embrace it and love the outcomes. Thanks again!
you got the internship, therefore you deserve to be there. Don't discount yourself because you didn't get hired during the regular process. Firms have these different hiring processes for a reason - you still had to submit a resume, do a interview and at the end of the day, these people you look up to looked at you and thought you would be able to successfully do the job.
Don't worry if you like the job or not (or if you can handle the hours or the cuture) - it's an internship. If you like it, great and if not, use this experience and find something you will enjoy for full-time - nothing is set in stone in your life, especially in your career.
Lastly, nobody has any expectations of you - you're an intern. So knowing nothing and making mistakes is perfectly fine just learn from them and be yourself (which is why they liked you in the first place to get the job).
Take a deep breath, go into this internship with a mindset to learn and have a great time. No point in stressing - doesn't do you any good.
Wishing you the best - good luck!
Get out of that mindset asap. I’m a minority too but never went down through the spiral. You need to sack up and realize that you deserve to be there.
Congrats on the internship! I'm in a similar situation, only difference is that Im white. I would suggest trying to meet up with someone you will be working with beforehand (as all interviews were held online) and that could give you an idea on what to expect
Truly will not lie i do think you are going to make it. Enjoy the summer and experience but doubtful this is for you.
1) You posted this in the wrong thread so makes me debate if you even know what division you going into.
2) You will be working 60hrs easily and that will be expected for first 3 years of your career.
3) S&T desk is basically the same as working at Wendys, you say same thing to every client as a jr and make small talk.
4) The environment is very fast paced and sink/swim, having this anxiety usually leads to small mistakes.
5) If I was your MD and I heard you tell anyone you are “diversity” and not sure you fit in. I would smack you upside the head.
If you really do end up enjoying this work. Get a different attitude about the hours, be humble but at the same time understand everyone is not far from working at a wendys. Never apologize just do better and move on.
You’re more then your race. Don’t forget that.
Here is what will happen.
The first day, they are going to ask you to grab a sandwich. As you get up to go to the cafeteria, 2 white men are going to grab you, tie a tie super tight around your neck and yell 'This is MAGA country!'