This summer I had the wonderful opportunity to be an intern. At first, I was really nervous. What did I know about working in the commercial mortgage world? I had only worked part time jobs at both Tim Hortons and Burger King. This felt like an entirely different world to me, but I stuck it out and I couldn't be happier about that decision. I was able to experience what it felt like to have a "real world" eight to five job, and see first hand just exactly how this industry works. As my final day approaches, I cannot help but think about all the things I have learned.
1. Filing can lead to paper cuts.
For the first couple of months, all I did was actual work, but towards the end, I did so much filing it looked like I got attacked by a cat. It was like they realized that I was leaving soon, and it would beneficial for me to do the filing on all that stuff from back in 2015.
2. Working 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. is a blessing.
I am a both a morning person and a night person, but after spending the whole summer working 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. I never want to work after 6 pm again. The best thing in the world is getting off work at 5 p.m. and having the rest of the day to spend as you want. Even if I only did that on Tuesdays.
3. Everyone makes mistakes.
While working in the tax department, I made a few mistakes when I was first learning how to do certain pedicures. Those experiences were the most beneficial to me. First off, they taught me what to do if I clicked the wrong button or if I submitted an expense that was incorrect. They taught me how to correct my own mistakes, if need be. As well as teaching me that mistakes happen, and the only thing you can do is learn from them and correct them.
4. I really love taxes.
I have been a business major since I started college back in fall 2012, I have disliked business, career wise, since pretty much the same time. I have always wanted to go into politics and law. However, I love taxes! I spent a good two months working in the tax department, and I loved every second of it. It showed me that just because you don't like something at first doesn't mean you can't find something you love about it later on.
5. Organization is key.
Staying organized will literally save your life. As we speak, well read, I am working on what feels like the biggest project of my life. I am organizing all the paid in-full loans that the company has so they can be sent to storage. I have 20-some boxes full of loans, each box having over 10 loans in it. There is so much to keep track of and staying organized with an excel spreadsheet as well as physical copies of said sheets is heaven.
6. Arbor Realty Trust works as a fluid machine.
I started in customer service, then went to tax, insurance and then finally investor reporting and accounting. I know how one half of this corporation works, from the start of the new loan process to the end when the loan is paid in full. Arbor works beautifully!
7. I can actually do this.
When I heard that I got this internship, I was beyond shocked. I thought for sure I wouldn't get it. Why would I? This experience taught me that I can indeed do this. I can do a job that is a "real world" job.
