Fostering Relationships with Tesla

By: Colleena Peng

Co-founding the Corporate Retail Association has been the primary reason behind my college accomplishments. Serving as Co-President for two years and Co-Founder Advisor as one has allowed me to develop exceptional leadership skills and an invaluable network of resources. As a result, I’ve managed to secure supply chain internships with GE Aviation, Nestlé USA, Ernst & Young, and Tesla. Although none of these internships relate to retail, most, if not all recruiters I’ve interviewed with have appreciated my interest in and knowledge of such a volatile industry. If I understand the evolution of one of the most ever-changing industries, who’s to say I can’t overcome the challenges faced by other industries? 

In addition to learning about the industry, I cannot emphasize enough how largely holding an executive board position contributed to my academic and career success. Leading an executive board filled with different personalities required me to tailor my leadership style accordingly. Also, leading such a young organization forced me to remain versatile when faced with new challenges. Lastly, fostering and maintaining relationships to expand CRA’s resources has taught me the importance of networking. These are all qualities that recruiters seek when interviewing for internship and full-time opportunities. 

Enough about me! In the three years CRA has existed, alumni and current executive board members have secured internships and full-time opportunities with Abercrombie & Fitch, Aldi, Nordstrom, TJX, Kohl’s, and Macy’s. That in itself is a success story. It’s safe to say that facilitating the relationship between eager members and corporate recruiters has been the most rewarding part about co-founding CRA. Join CRA today and see what it can do for you!