Rachel Phares

Is it Okay to Have No Problems?

There seems to be an implicit expectation that if you didn’t have problems, then you didn’t do it right, or even get the most out of the experience. This summer I worked as an intern for Booz Allen Hamilton, a large science and technology consulting firm, at their headquarters in Virginia. I assisted with two different projects, one for marketing purposes, and the second for a client, although my role for both was research based. The project leaders were always happy to answer any questions I had regarding my part of the work, whether  through email or in person. I attended team meetings, project meetings, and even one client meeting. I did face challenges, but none that I would consider to be problems, which led me to realize that not all worthwhile experiences need to include problems. Indeed, my essentially challenge-free experience allowed me to consider a career at the firm following graduation. This environment gave me room to develop and reflect upon my career.