Burake Teshome: How a Supportive Internship Environment Makes All the Difference

As the world transitions to a new normal, Nasdaq’s annual internship program is too. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have turned circumstance into a learning opportunity for interns joining us this year to participate in meaningful and long-term projects.

In the Nasdaq Futures Internship Program, we offer a variety of professional experiences for emerging talent through an immersive 10 to 12-week virtual internship program. From Stockholm to the U.S., meet few of the bright minds joining us digitally from all around the world. They are playing integral, hands-on roles to help Nasdaq #RewriteTomorrow. Today, we speak with Burake Teshome, a Social Media intern here at Nasdaq.

Tell us a bit about your position and background

I am a Social Media intern at Nasdaq this summer, which means I support our Social Team in all aspects, but most specifically with Brand focused projects. I’m involved in behind the scenes analytical social reporting, writing social copy, community engagement and more. I am originally from Queens, NYC, but now live in Wake Forest, North Carolina, where I am a rising senior at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.  

What is your favorite project you’ve worked on thus far, or one that you’re looking forward to?

One project I am currently working on is conducting a competitive analysis of how our competitors post their quarterly earnings on their social channels, so we can assess how to apply that insight to our own earnings announcements. I’ve also enjoyed creating a variety of social copy for holidays like Father’s Day and for our larger campaigns like our ESG landing page. I was even able to attend this year’s LGBT Leaders Conference and gather takeaways and quotes for our social channels.      

What about Nasdaq has stood out to you most, now that you are a part of the global team?

What has stood out to me about Nasdaq is how genuine, kind and supportive every person I have encountered is. Whether it be the people in my team, those outside of it or leaders of higher status, they have all expressed their eagerness to share their help and advice, as well as expressed their excitement to have me on the team. I have also felt such trust from my team in the projects they assign me, while also supporting me as I learn and pushing me to grow.       

How is this internship supporting your goals long-term?

This internship has given me a look into the inner workings of social for a company of Nasdaq’s size, which is an invaluable experience as I enter my career. I’ve also been able to meet a team of women who have ample experience in the field I ultimately intend to traverse into. I’m learning how to embrace being out of my comfort zone, and have already seen how beneficial it can be, which will only allow me to thrive as I continue my career.                

What is your goal as a #NasdaqFam intern?

My goal for this summer is to learn as much as I possibly can! At the end of the summer, I want to be able to speak with my manager and identify quantifiable ways that I have assisted their team. I also want to connect with as many people as I can, so I can take their advice and teachings with me into my future career.      

What advice would you give to future Nasdaq interns?

I would advise them to ask questions! Sometimes it’s hard to do so, but it is always worth it in the end to be curious and inquisitive, which only helps you do your job better. I would also tell them to not fear when things seem overwhelming, but to embrace it and realize the multitude of resources you have at your fingertips.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

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