The following represents a Q & A with My-Take’s Intern Analyst, Tara Kiley. Tara is an MBA student at Providence College. In this Q & A we will discuss with Tara her experience interning at My-Take.
What sparked your interest in interning at My-Take?
I originally found My-Take through my college. As I was searching through all the internship applications on my college’s career platform, My-Take’s caught my attention. In the past, I have worked as a research intern and was intrigued by the concept of market research. I believed that the market research industry was something I would be interested in, and I was particularly enthusiastic about the aspect of data analysis involved in this role.
What are your 3 biggest takeaways from interning at My-Take?
Communication
I have observed through team and company meetings, email chains with colleagues, and contact with clients how important communication is. Communication is needed to make sure all objectives are being met and everyone is on the same page.
Market Research Industry
Over the past year, I have had the chance to work with five different insight communities. I have helped with a multitude of research projects and gained a lot of knowledge along with a newfound appreciation for the market research industry.
Learning Techniques
When entering a new job or industry there is going to be a learning curve. Everything is new and it takes practice to perfect. I have found that observing others and asking questions is key to learning a new job. In addition, I have found that a zoom call or an in-person meeting are great ways to discuss and clarify objectives.
What was the best piece of advice you got while working here?
Although I received a lot of advice and guidance over the course of my internship, one general takeaway comes to mind. I remember in my first one-on-one meeting with Todd Hoskins, he told me to always answer an email even if it’s just to confirm you got it. This piece of advice truly transformed my view on communication. Every time I receive an email, I think of his suggestion. It is especially vital in today’s world with remote work to be able to communicate effectively.
What have you found most rewarding from your internship at My-Take?
This summer I had the opportunity to research the implementation of the User Categorization question type for a given community. Through the use of User Categorization, respondents will be able to categorize their own open-ended responses. This will help the coding of projects move quicker and allow My-Take to allocate its time to other projects. I enjoyed working on this project because I felt it was beneficial to making business operations more effective. I am excited to see the outcome of this UCAT project over the coming weeks!
Are there any skills or lessons you’ve learned that could be applicable outside of market research online communities?
I have learned more about business operations, improved my analytical skills, enhanced my communication skills, and gained knowledge about market research. Some takeaways are to learn as much as you can, ask questions, and enjoy the present. Overall, I have been extremely thankful for My-Take and the experience it has offered me over the past year!
What has been unique about working at My-Take?
The company’s culture is unique and one of my favorite aspects of My-Take. I found that everyone truly cares about you on a personal level, and this is not something that you can find at all companies. On two separate occasions, my manager and the co-founder of My-Take have both taken time out of their days to ask me how my MBA classes are going. It’s such a nice feeling to feel valued by your employer.
What are you looking forward to in your upcoming semester?
I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge in business administration this upcoming semester. I am enrolled in an MBA program that started this summer, and I have enjoyed the classes I have completed thus far. In the fall, I am excited to take courses in accounting, finance, management, and statistics.