Regret Free Future

There’s no doubt Sam Whalen ’19 made the most of her time at Mount Mercy.

She was a defensive specialist on the volleyball team, an ambassador in the admissions office, and an intern with United Life Insurance. Before graduation, Sam’s internship turned into a full-time job offer. She believes work experience before graduating is the key to finding a fulfilling career.

MMU: Let’s talk about your journey to Mount Mercy. How did you know MMU was the right fit?

SW: Looking back now, it’s so hard to even think I looked at other schools. There are so many times I told people how lucky I am to have found MMU and the many things I’ve experienced. I truly thought I was outgoing before I came to MMU, but now I’ve stepped so far out of my comfort zone and can’t imagine ever going back. The first time I walked on campus, there was a doormat at the entrance that said, “Welcome Home.”

MMU: What made you decide to get involved outside of class?

SW: Initially, I chose Mount Mercy for volleyball and the bond I instantly built with my coach. We immediately began conversations I would have with someone I have known for years. I wanted nothing more than to be a college athlete my whole life, and I finally got to experience it. I also got involved with Student Ambassadors because I love meeting new people and talking about things I am passionate about. Being able to show prospective students around campus and show my excitement was one of the best things I could have done—even better seeing many of those faces on campus today.

MMU: You’re an accounting major—what interested you in that field?

SW: As much as my mom wanted me to follow my own path, I look up to her more than any person in my life. She is an accountant—a very successful accountant—and I truly hope to be at her level one day. However, I have to put my own twist on it. My dream is to work for the FBI as a forensic accountant, digging into the deepest cases and solving things others gave up on.

MMU: You earned an internship with united life insurance. What was that experience like?

SW: My internship was the best thing that could have happened, when it happened. It was the end of my junior year—until that point, I put off applying for every internship that came my way. I thought I would be waiting tables all summer (though there’s nothing wrong with waiting tables)! I applied for this internship the week before finals, accepted the job the following week, and started right after Memorial Day. There is a rhyme and a reason for everything you do. I believe in timing, and this internship has shown me that. The people I work with make me laugh and help me grow in my learning, and I have created life-long friendships. I think it helped solidify why I want to be an accountant.

"The people I work with make me laugh and help me grow in my learning, and I have created life-long friendships."

MMU: Would you recommend an internship to other students?

SW: Yes. One million times—yes. There are so many people who accept a job with no experience in the field or knowledge of the criteria. Do I want to work in life insurance forever? Probably not. But, I will feel so much more comfortable switching careers knowing I tried this field and gave it all I had. So, yes, I think it is important to have at least one internship to see what it is you truly want to do.

MMU: That internship turned into a full-time job offer! That’s exciting, especially since you hadn’t graduated yet. What was going through your head when you were offered the job?

SW: I was sitting at my desk finishing up a task, and my boss asked to speak with me. We walked right past her desk and into HR, and I think my eyeballs probably bounced off her window because I was so nervous. I knew I didn’t do anything wrong, but everyone sees you when you get called to the teacher’s desk. When I sat down, she quickly assured me I wasn’t in trouble. When she offered the job, my insides were screaming “I did it!” The adult part of me asked for a day to think about it, to scream on the phone to my parents that I made it, and see if I wanted to really do this. A full-time job placed in my hands!

MMU: What are you looking forward to most in your career?

SW: Being able to walk into a full-time job has opened my eyes to my future. I am looking forward to more success and experiencing new things. My career is going to be hard work, but I am also looking forward to traveling the world and getting to enjoy my 20s. If Mount Mercy has taught me anything, it is to get out there and experience all I can.

MMU: What advice do you have for students when looking for an internship?

SW: Be patient. Do not freak out and think you will never find anything. Obviously, be on top of things. I would not recommend applying for internships you are not interested in. If you want more information, send the company a quick e-mail and ask for additional information—this might even help you in the future. Being an intern, you have to be invested in what you are doing, regardless of the task.

"Try your very best not to leave Mount Mercy having the slightest of regrets."

MMU: Any final thoughts?

SW: Try your very best not to leave Mount Mercy having the slightest of regrets. Be honest in all you do, and put the extra work in on the group project. No one can determine your future—except you.