For my internship this semester, I interned at a small business in Columbia, MD, B&A Metal Graphics.
The company makes wooden plaques and acrylic awards mostly for government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and all its sub-agencies and, the Department of Transportation and all its sub-agencies. So, B&A Metal Graphics is responsible for creating designs, making custom inscriptions, and putting the awards together.
Responsibilities
In a small business, it is difficult to create a job position with specific and narrowed-down tasks. All employees need to work together for mutual benefit. From my perspective, my internship experience was an advantage. In four months, I could experience a little bit of everything related to business. I did basic office work, such as filing and organizing invoices, bills, and other documents. I sent out invoices to our customers and paid bills. Sometimes, I answered phone calls and emails with customer inquiries. I also worked in the production area, where I learned how to make plaques and engrave some things with a laser-engraving machine. And, I packed and shipped finished products using FedEx, UPS, or USPS.
Experiences
The most fun for me was working in the production area. Through observations, YouTube tutorials, and training from my supervisor and coworkers, I learned features of CorelDraw and Adobe In-Design. Those are programs that we use to type the information that goes on plaques, and sometimes for designing a logo or image. I also learned how pieces of metal are combined to create different layers of colors and how they are attached to a piece of wood. We also use this software to engrave wood, glass, acrylic materials, and tumblers. The fun part of working in production was that I could take some items home. For example, finding the right settings for engraving may require a trial-error method. Often the first engraved item is not correct, so I would put my name on it, and take home, for example, a tumbler, even if it is not perfect. I have also made some gifts for my family and friends.
Opportunities
Small businesses have a limited opportunity to climb the corporate ladder for higher positions with better salaries. In a small business, it is best to come up with ideas for marketing, improving the product, or improving efficiency in processes. Each employee can contribute to the decision-making process as long as their idea is strong. Then the company can evaluate the savings or increased revenue and decide if it can share profits with employees or invest it in the business. In my experience, I found how to engrave one of the whisky bottles. Potentially, the company could add this service to its portfolio, begin marketing it to customers, and ultimately increase sales and revenues. For the contribution, the company may give a bonus or commission if the idea brings a one-time purchase or could increase the paycheck if it brings constant revenue.
I found the type of job that genuinely interests me, which gives me motivation to come to work and makes my days go easy and less stressful. As I got closer to the end of the internship, I was offered a full-time job by the company. I think this is something that every intern would like to achieve from their internship, but not everyone does. I am sure people have bad internship experiences, and they look for another job after the program is over. I am excited to work for B&A Metal Graphics from January of next year and continue to grow and learn more about this unique industry.