Are you curious about how to turn a summer internship into a full-time career? I sat down with Julia Cione, intern turned full-time account executive, and she shared tips that you can use to get ahead!

Where did you go to school?

I graduated in 2017 from The University of Alabama where I majored in public relations. Roll Tide!

Tell me a little bit about your internship at AT&T.

During the summer of 2016, I had the opportunity to participate in an AT&T internship. One of my favorite projects during the internship was with the Business Marketing Organization. I got to develop and present a marketing strategy for millennials. Through conducting research on a real-life problem, my team was able to provide executable goals to the Business Marketing Organization. I also got to practice presenting a large deliverable to a room filled with senior-level managers – a highly valuable skill that I've used in my post-graduate career and expect to use for many years.

I learned so much in just a few short months!

What have you been up to since graduation?

I completed another internship after college and then decided to apply for AT&T's B2B Sales Program. I heard wonderful things about the program during my internship, so I knew a little bit about what the day to day would look like. It definitely was not what I expected – in a GREAT way!

My internship with AT&T taught me life lessons that I would not have discovered elsewhere. The sole reason I came back and applied for a full-time position was because of the lasting mark it made on me. I don't consider my internship with AT&T as my first “corporate experience," but as the first sip of the AT&T Kool-Aid that I hope to keep drinking for a long time!

I'm now working as an account executive and I find myself bragging to friends and family about this awesome company that I get to work for. Since starting the program, I have learned so much about AT&T's portfolio of products. I'm trying to be a sponge and soak up all the technical talk and jargon.

What do you admire most about your job?

The management team puts so much effort into making this a valuable experience – they make sure AT&T is THE place to work after graduation.

There are two things I admire most about AT&T:

1. The company culture. Going above and beyond is the norm at AT&T, not the exception. The people are always striving to set the bar higher and higher as each year passes. It's encouraging to be surrounded by people who are forward thinking, intense about their work and enjoy what they do. It makes coming into the office not a task, but something to look forward to.

2. Our role in communication. Sometimes I just sit in bed at night and think: Wow, I have the opportunity to speak to customers from all around the world every day about the incredible things AT&T has to offer. From the Internet of Things (IoT) to security to FirstNet, we have an important role in the community around us. I love describing what we can do for customers and I'm looking forward to doing that in the field as an acquisition seller soon.

My internship was my first taste of the two things I admire most about the company. And my colleagues in the program are some of the most intelligent and joyful people I've ever met. These are friendships that I know I'll carry with me throughout my career.

What's been one of your favorite parts of the program you're in now?

One awesome thing about the program is that we get placed in cities all over the country. I just moved into acquisition in Austin, Texas, and some of my peers in the program moved to San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, New York and Nashville, Tenn. We'll have amazing places to visit each other!

What advice would you share with interns or recent graduates looking for a job?

Be open to new experiences -- you'll learn so much outside of what you majored in. Be positive and joyful no matter the circumstances at work. People gravitate toward those who inspire -- this can make a huge difference in your career from the very beginning. Find a mentor early on so you can gather advice and constructive criticism along the way. Remember to remind yourself of the things you are thankful for and the things you want to accomplish in the future.

When interviewing or going through the process to get the job, be yourself and ask lots of questions. Know your audience, always say thank you and ask what next steps you should expect. Confidence is key throughout that process!