Name:  Maryann Covert

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Louis Vuitton Corporate Events

Location of the Organization (City, State): San Francisco

Major(s)/Minor(s):  Financial Economics

Expected Graduation Year: 2014

Briefly describe your internship, co-op, research, or service- learning opportunity, including your day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and assignments.

As an assistant to the Louis Vuitton's Corporate Events Director, I am spending my summer working on events for the San Francisco-based Louis Vuitton Cup.  I work on each and every detail of our numerous events.  From parties to boat rides to guest transfers, I create and simplify the necessary spreadsheets and documents.

What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?

Helping plan events is the most stressful yet rewarding job I've ever done. The weeks, then days, leading up to events are insanely stressful and busy.  However, the feeling of completion cannot be beaten.  This weekend we are hosting a party for over 700 guests, most of which are not local, meaning I have to help arrange transportation, food, side-events, and lodging.  I not only adore this job because of its level of difficulty, but especially because of the relief and satisfaction of having planned and executed a successful event.

What have you gained from your experience that you could not have gained from another opportunity?

Louis Vuitton, as the world’s top luxury goods company, offers me more opportunities to make valuable contacts than I would have anywhere else.  This experience has also demonstrated the high value of a positive relationship with an employer; a great recommendation is an enormous piece of any job application.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

Networking is key.  When you meet someone, get their name or their card and be sure to follow up!  Sending an email within a day of making his or her acquaintance is a sure way to remind the person who you are and why you're worth remembering.

How do you see your experience as meaningful? This might involve skills you've gained, information you've learned, mentors you've connected with, or projects you've completed.

My experience has and continues to be hugely meaningful, as it has helped to show me the corporate world from a very different perspective.  This job has taught me the meaning of hard work, diligence, thoroughness, and the value of a positive attitude, all of which are especially relevant as I prepare to enter the workforce full time.

Please provide a short quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / the internship placement process / the Shriver Center:

Earning credit for this job is absolutely amazing, as it gives me even more incentive to work and work hard!  Knowing that what I do pays off in more ways than one is immensely rewarding, and the Shriver Center made it easy to do!