Internship

XL Design Professionals

The company is a specialized insurance provider that focuses exclusively on serving architects and engineers. The company provides comprehensive insurance coverage, risk management services, and professional development resources tailored specifically to the unique needs of design professionals.

Work Schedule and Academic Balance

I worked 8.5 hours on average, so I can complete the remaining courses for my bachelor's and be able to apply for CSUMB's master's program. My supervisor and team are supportive of my academic pursuits and understand the importance of this next step in my career development.

Documentation Initiative and Knowledge Sharing

My supervisor and two business analysts recognized the value of documenting the workflows I've been learning and improving. They requested that I create comprehensive documentation to capture the more efficient processes I've introduced from my academic coursework. This documentation will enable other team members to benefit from these improvements and represents a key milestone in my professional development within the company.

Core Responsibilities

Technical Operations:

1. Managing backup tapes for the data center infrastructure
2. Monitoring and supporting the XL Design Professional Policy Issues mailbox
3. Handling XL Microsoft Helpdesk requests and technical support
4. Administering database migrations and report connections between various systems that are essential to office operations
5. I successfully completed a major extranet website redesign that implements stringent security requirements outlined in the "Identification and Authentication Standards – QM6015GBL Version 2.1" Framework Internal Control (FIC) requirements. The new system enforces:
   1. 12-character minimum passwords for administrator and supervisor accounts
   2. Password uniqueness validation (cannot match User ID)
   3. Prevention of more than two consecutive identical characters

Administrative Support:

Completing ad-hoc administrative tasks as requested and creating detailed procedure documentation for continuity and coverage during my absence

Professional Growth and Challenges

Key Learning:

1. The critical importance of formal documentation in maintaining business continuity and audit readiness
2. Attention to detail and meticulousness required for compliance and audit preparation
3. Understanding of company business standards and regulatory requirements, even at the intern level

Challenge Management:

I've learned to balance my eagerness to complete tasks with the realities of team-based work environments, particularly when waiting for proper access privileges or approvals. This has taught me patience and the importance of following established protocols.

TLDR against Impostor Syndrome:

1. Document Your Wins and Growth
2. Reframe Learning as Strength
3. Seek Regular Feedback
4. Focus on Unique Value You Bring
5. Build Relationships and Observe
6. Set Small, Achievable Goals
7. Practice Self-Compassion
8. Leverage Mentorship

To Learn More ...

How I used my Internship to Battle My Imposter Syndrome

Document Your Wins and Growth Keep a daily or weekly journal of accomplishments, no matter how small. Write down tasks you completed, problems you solved, or positive feedback you received. This creates concrete evidence of your value and progress, which you can review when self-doubt creeps in. Reframe Learning as

Deliberate CybersecurityRoy Louis Garcia