Ariana Parker works in HAI Group's Human Resources department, with a focus on recruiting top talent to work for the company. Part of the job includes explaining the benefits of HAI Group's culture and work environment to job candidates, aspects Parker learned about first-hand through her participation in HAI Group’s internship program.
Parker recently sat down with HAI Group Senior Marketing Specialist Andrew Ragali to talk about the lessons she learned during her HAI Group internship experience.
HAI Group Human Resources Generalist Ariana Parker
Ariana Parker: Everyone at HAI Group was really friendly and willing to help during my internship. They were there to teach the interns and make sure we grew professionally. That perception remained the same throughout my time in the internship program.
AP: I learned that it's important to voice your opinions and ideas, be willing to learn, and have confidence in yourself. People want to support you and your ideas, especially in your internship. Even if an idea is challenged, it provokes discussion and thought about your approach, which only helps you grow.
AP: I really enjoyed the people, the environment, and definitely the food (HAI Group hosts frequent and delicious breakfast/lunch social events). In terms of challenges, being an intern, it can be intimidating to share your ideas, or take a leadership approach in a new atmosphere. During my internship, I learned to be confident in my ideas and what I can bring to the table.
AP: I had one more year of graduate school after my internship and hoped HAI Group would have an opportunity the following year. Before I finished graduate school, my internship manager reached back out to me about an opportunity with HAI Group's Administrative Services department. I ended up applying and getting the role.
(Note: Parker later went on to work in HAI Group's Risk Control and Consulting department before moving to her current role with Human Resources.)
AP: I learned so much from my internship! It taught me the type of work environment I want and how to succeed in a corporate environment.
AP: Gibriel Cham, an assistant director in the Underwriting department, was kind, funny, smart, and made you feel like you belonged. He would always greet you with a smile, crack jokes, and had great advice on how to succeed as an intern. Kristen Cruz was my manager as an intern, and she had so much professional knowledge within the talent space. I grew a passion for human resources by having her as my manager. She was intelligent, friendly, and grew me as a human resources professional. Elizabeth Owens is the one who interested me in the insurance side of the business. I was really interested in risk control, and she offered me the chance to learn. She was kind, smart, and very impactful in growing my career within HAI Group.
AP: Be yourself and never be afraid to show your skillset and how passionate you are about what you do.