Introduction
Hi, I’m Steven Sollaku, a senior at Brooklyn College majoring in Communications. I’m currently working as a marketing intern at Big Reuse, and I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. What excites me the most about my internship is the chance to take on meaningful projects and have real responsibilities. I love the feeling of accomplishing tasks and knowing that I’m making an impact through my work.
The CUNY Spring Forward Program
The CUNY Spring Forward program is a fantastic initiative that offers undergraduate students who haven’t had internship experience the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in New York City’s four cornerstone industries. I applied for the program's marketing hub because of my
interest in marketing and sales, and I felt it was a great fit for my skills and aspirations. The program was actually recommended to me by several classmates, and I’m glad I took their advice.
Once I was accepted into the program, I sent my resume and information to 10 different
internship locations. I was fortunate enough to land my internship at Big Reuse. The program has given me a solid foundation and valuable beginner experience in the marketing field, and I’m excited about the growth opportunities it continues to provide.
My Role at Big Reuse
At Big Reuse, I am a marketing intern and I have been focused on launching an Earth Month marketing campaign to raise awareness about the organization's mission and programs. I have been involved in creating graphic designs for social media and writing blog posts that highlight what Big Reuse offers—such as composting services, tree planting, and the Big Reuse store where people can donate and shop for reusable items. One of our key goals is to educate local communities on important environmental practices like composting and street tree care. I’m especially proud to be part of this campaign. Even though I may play a smaller role, knowing that I’m contributing to a larger cause makes me feel accomplished and excited about the impact we can make.
Hobbies and Activities
Outside of my studies and internship, I’m deeply passionate about sports, especially basketball. I’ve watched and played the game all my life, and it’s something that’s always been a big part of who I am. I also enjoy mixed martial arts, but basketball will always be my main hobby. In addition to sports, I’ve spent much of my life involved in hard labor work. I’ve worked as a waiter and manager in a restaurant, and I’ve also been a maintenance man, helping manage a building. These experiences have taught me the value of hard work and hustle, which is something I carry with me every day. This work ethic is what drives my interest in marketing and sales—I love the idea of selling and putting in the effort to make things happen.
What I’m Studying &Career Aspirations
I’m currently majoring in Communications with a focus on interpersonal and intercultural studies at Brooklyn College. Although my focus in school is broad, my internship at Big Reuse has steered me toward marketing, which I’m deeply passionate about. My studies have helped me hone my ability to communicate effectively, especially in a business setting. The art of communication is often overlooked, but I believe it plays a huge role in success, whether you’re in marketing or any other field.
While I’m not sure which company I want to work for specifically, I do have a clear vision for my future career. I hope to work my way up in a company and eventually take on a high-level role, such as a senior position or director, where I can lead and make impactful decisions.
Future Goals &; Reflection
As I continue my internship at Big Reuse, I’m most excited to see if the work we’ve put in will make a difference—even if it’s a small one. Knowing that I’m contributing to something meaningful gives me a sense of purpose, and I’m eager to see the results of our efforts. I also believe that having this experience will boost my confidence as I move forward in my career. I hope that the skills and responsibilities I’ve taken on during this internship will not only help me grow personally but also be a strong addition to my resume. I want future employers to see that
I’ve been able to handle real-world tasks and responsibilities, which will hopefully instill
confidence in my ability to succeed in whatever job I pursue next.