At Boston View, we’re all about fostering growth and learning. This culture extends to every nook and cranny of our space, including our cherished coffee shop on the first floor. Recently, we caught up with Edo, an intern at the coffee shop and an Economics major, to chat about his journey, what he’s gained, and the lessons he’s learned during his time with us.
A Conversation with Edo, Coffee Shop Intern
Q: Can you describe a typical day during your internship?
Edo: My day kicks off bright and early, making sure the coffee shop is prepped and primed to welcome the morning rush of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers. Each day is a new adventure; I meet fascinating people and hear about their projects and ideas. It’s super inspiring and often ties back to what I’m learning in my economics and business courses.
Initially, some tasks felt a bit out of my comfort zone despite my experience in various organizations, committees, and volunteer roles. This is my first hands-on experience in a real business setting. However, my knack for adapting quickly helped me meet the employer’s expectations within the first week. From then on, my focus shifted from learning the basics to honing my skills. Overall, it’s been a thrilling ride; every day in the cafe brings new opportunities to learn and grow.
Q: What skills have you gained during your internship?
Edo: I’ve picked up a ton of skills, from customer service to handling different scenarios. Whether it’s crafting the perfect cup of coffee or managing inventory, every task has been a learning moment. Time management and teamwork have become second nature, and these are crucial skills for any career path. Plus, I’ve had the chance to apply some of my academic knowledge in business operations and economics to real-world situations, which has been incredibly rewarding. My experiences here have armed me with a wealth of knowledge, proving that I can thrive in any work environment in the future.
Q: What are some key lessons you’ve learned?
Edo: Adaptability is a major lesson I’ve learned. Working in a bustling coffee shop means you have to stay on your toes and be ready for anything. It’s taught me to remain calm under pressure and to think quickly. This experience has also given me a deeper understanding of consumer behavior and the importance of effective communication—both essential in economics and business. My approach to this internship was also to develop my business management skills broadly. I’ve learned about business overview, in-depth business analysis, problem and risk detection, and problem-solving. In essence, being part of the business has equipped me with fundamental business and organizational skills.
Q: How has the experience of working in the coffee shop impacted your professional growth?
Edo: When considering this, it’s important to look at both personal and professional growth. On a personal level, I’ve developed traits and behaviors that are valuable in any professional setting, such as integrity, effective communication, strategic decision-making, and problem-solving. Professionally, I’ve gained critical technical and field-specific competencies that are essential for maintaining professionalism.
Q: What are your thoughts as your internship comes to an end?
Edo: This experience has been priceless. I feel more confident and ready for my future career. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited about what’s next.
At Boston View, we’re committed to supporting the development and growth of our interns. Edo’s journey is a testament to the enriching experiences and valuable skills gained through our internship program. We’re excited to see where his path leads and look forward to continuing to offer such opportunities to others in our community.