Lessons I learned in the Workforce Accelerator

By Mera Makar

When I first started the Workforce Accelerator, I began my internship working in web design. I was able to gain experience working on websites, thinking about user experience, and applying my technical and creative skills to real projects. As my experience continued, my responsibilities expanded beyond web design. Most recently, I have been working on creating hackathon videos for high school students in Peru. This experience has allowed me to work on something different while also showing me how technology can be used to connect with and inspire others. 

One of the biggest skills I developed was learning how to work using Agile. Agile taught me the importance of breaking larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks and continuously improving based on feedback. I learned that projects do not always go exactly as planned, and being able to adapt is an important part of working in the real world. Instead of being afraid of changes, I became more comfortable adjusting and finding solutions.

I also learned how important communication and teamwork are. Working with others taught me how to listen to different ideas, share my own thoughts, ask questions, and make sure everyone is working toward the same goal. I learned that being a good team member is not just about completing your own work, but also about supporting the people around you.

Another important skill I gained was time management. Having different responsibilities taught me how to prioritize tasks, stay organized, and meet deadlines. I also became more comfortable taking initiative instead of always waiting for someone to tell me what to do.

Most importantly, this experience taught me how to be adaptable. I learned that in the workforce, you will not always know exactly what you are doing at first, and that is okay. Being willing to learn, ask questions, accept feedback, and try again is just as important as having technical knowledge.

As I enter my junior year of college, I know that these skills will continue to help me both inside and outside of the classroom. The Workforce Accelerator has helped me understand that preparing for a career is not only about what you know, but also about how you communicate, collaborate, adapt, and approach challenges.