We sit down with our ten summer interns to learn more about their career goals, their time at Centric and their lives outside of work.
For the second year, we have partnered with INROADS, a St. Louis, Missouri-based nonprofit organization that creates career opportunities for diverse college students, to bring on a class of interns to work with our national and local operating groups. This year, we’re hosting ten students across our company.
We sat down with our interns during their first few weeks to learn more about why they chose Centric, their career goals and what they like to do for fun. Read their responses, and meet our team.
Get to Know Our Interns
Abbas Madni, National Data & Analytics Practice, Chicago, IL
Abbas Madni is an intern for our National Data & Analytics team currently working on internal work for the Insurance Analytics Platform (IAP) project. He is majoring in Computer Science and is in Chicago, Illinois. Outside of work and school, Abbas plays video games and basketball.
What is your favorite part about working for Centric so far?
My favorite part about working for Centric so far is how friendly the people at this company are. I feel welcome as a new intern at every meeting I attend.
What has the transition into hybrid work and hybrid learning taught you?
The transition into hybrid work and hybrid learning has taught me to stay disciplined and focused without the need for reminders to keep working. Now that work and school are online, we have to be diligent in getting our work done when no one is around to make sure that we are staying on task.
What is your advice to those looking for internships in your field?
Stay focused on school, get involved in extracurricular activities, apply to as many jobs as possible, and if you fail at anything, keep on working hard!
Ben Ernest, Boston Operating Group, Milton, MA
Benjamin Ernest is an intern working for our Boston operating group. He is majoring in Global Commerce, minoring in Music Performance and lives in Boston, MA. When he is not in school or interning, you can find him at the gym, practicing the violin, or socializing with others.
What about your new role [at Centric] has surprised you so far?
I would say that Centric’s company culture and values are truly unmatched. My onboarding experience has been extremely positive. Many people are willing to go outside their daily responsibilities to help onboard and welcome new members to the community.
What is your advice to those looking for internships in your field?
I would say to practice your communication and interpersonal skills. Cultivating good relationships not only with the client but with the team is paramount to a successful career in consulting.
What is your favorite way to spend your downtime?
I love to play the violin, play soccer and spend time with friends and family.
Blaiden Kirk, Columbus Operating Group, Columbus, OH
Blaiden is an intern with our Columbus operating group and is currently Blaiden is doing .NET development for a custom-built application for a client. His work right now is focused on improving the user experience for internal users in order to increase their productivity. He is majoring in Software Engineering and minoring in Mathematics from Miami University and lives in Columbus, OH. When he’s not doing school or interning, you can find him on the “Stay Hot” podcast, primarily talking about football with a hint of basketball. Blaiden loves football and spends most of his free time analyzing the game to provide a better and broader view for his audience. He also loves playing his guitar and working on writing his first songs!
What attracted you to Centric? What was it about this company that drew you in?
When researching Centric, I was really blown by how open and invested the company seemed to be in its culture. After I had the great privilege of interning here last summer, I immediately saw what all the hype was about. And when I received word that I was being asked to return for a second summer, I knew I would do everything in my power to experience this again!
Tell us about your work experience prior to coming to Centric.
I have been blessed to have experienced many different fields of work over the past few years. In high school, I spent two years working at a local restaurant before spending a few months in my first summer home from college in sales and another summer in digital marketing. I also currently am an NFL Analyst/Content Creator for Blue Wire Podcasts and FanDuel.
What is your favorite way to spend your downtime?
Every day I try and sneak some time in to play my guitar. Whether it be writing music, playing covers, or learning new licks and tricks, I love my time on the fretboard. At school, I am vice president of our guitar club, which has put on a Battle of the Bands each of the last two semesters. As we approach the end of the month, I am releasing an Alternative Blues/Rock album on July 4 as a testament to my progress as a musician.
Bre Connor, National Business Consulting Services Practice, Miami, FL
Brenyya “Bre” Connor is an Intern for our National Business Consulting Services Operating team. She is currently working on internal work. Bre is from Miami, Florida, and attends Florida State University in Tallahassee, where she majors in Finance. When she is not in school or interning, you can find her crafting and binge-watching her favorite shows.
What attracted you to Centric? What was it about this company that drew you in?
What initially attracted me to Centric was the welcoming energy from employees. Their positive attitude really made me comfortable and excited to intern with a company with a healthy and comforting environment. The culture amongst the employees at Centric is unmatched and incomparable.
Has what you learned [about hybrid work] changed how you think of your future career, and if so, how?
What I’ve learned so far has confirmed my thoughts about my future career rather than changed them. I aspire to be a financial consultant, and interning here has made me realize the consulting industry is exactly what I want to pursue a career in.
What is your favorite way to spend your downtime?
In my downtime, I like to binge-watch my favorite Disney movies and shows.
David Williams, National Enterprise Portfolio and Program Management Practice, Macomb, MI
David Williams is an intern for our National Enterprise Portfolio & Program Management team, currently working on internal work. He is majoring in Actuarial Mathematics and lives in Macomb, Michigan. When he is not in school or interning, you can find him at the gym.
What is your favorite part about working for Centric so far?
The people and environment have been the best so far. I have already met many people, and everyone has been very welcoming and helpful.
How does your internship fit into your desired career path?
This is my first experience in a business consulting service, so I am trying to learn as much as I can while I am here to understand if this can be a path for my future.
What is your favorite way to spend your downtime?
I love to play basketball. I played for three years in high school and continue to play recreationally in college.
Endia Bibbs, National Salesforce Practice, Chicago, IL
Endia Bibbs is an intern for our National Salesforce practice, currently working from the Chicagoland area. She is majoring in Health Administration and attends Northern Illinois University. When not in school or interning, she is often at home with her siblings or hanging out with friends.
How does your Centric Internship fit into your desired career path?
Coming into the company not having an idea what consulting was has expanded my curiosity in the field. I’ve become thoroughly interested in Salesforce since working with the Salesforce department of Centric. I appreciate the peek into what my career could look like.
Has what you learned [about hybrid work] changed how you think of your future career, and if so, how?
My goal is to be a Senior Director of a department in a medical facility. I feel as though that would be an interesting, yet distinguished career path that is nonvanishing. Since being introduced to a technological aspect of the work world, I am enjoying learning Salesforce. I am intrigued to learn more and see where it takes me.
What is your advice to those looking for internships in your field?
Be a risk-taker. Be open and vocal about areas you want to work on in your desired career and where you see yourself.
Luke Spencer, National Data & Analytics Practice, Falls Church, VA
Luke Spencer is an intern for our National Data & Analytics practice currently working on Power BI and Azure. He is majoring in Computer Science and is located in Falls Church, VA. When he’s not in school or interning, you can find him hiking or hanging out with his friends.
What attracted you to Centric? What was it about this company that drew you in?
The ability to work remotely attracted me here, and then the company culture drew me in.
What is your advice to those looking for internships in your field?
The field is very competitive. Do not give up, and keep applying. Also, review what you have learned because you do not want to draw a blank in your interview.
If money was no object, how would you spend your time?
I would spend my time seeing the sights I have always wanted to see and attempting to pursue any sudden interest I get.
Peter Ha, Chicago Operating Group Data & Analytics Team, Tulsa, OK
Peter Ha is an intern for our Chicago operating group and is currently working on the Data & Analytics team. He is majoring in Computer Science, minoring in Data Science and is located in Evanston, Illinois. When he’s not in school or interning, you can find him staying active at the gym or exploring the city.
What attracted you to Centric? What was it about this company that drew you in?
The friendliness and experience of the people who worked at Centric felt unique and authentic. I felt everyone I met was really passionate about their job and what they did.
How does your internship fit into your desired career path?
I think that learning about consulting allows me to gain experience and expertise in more fields than what I can learn in school through my classes. Gaining real-life business and soft skills from my Centric experience will help me in my goals of becoming an entrepreneur or a manager in the future.
If money was no object, how would you spend your time?
My dream job would be to be a chef. I love cooking, and I think it’s a really easy way to destress and make others happy at the same time. I hope to one day to be able to cook without using a recipe. I would also like to dabble in mixology. Being able to experiment with a limitless number of tastes and food combinations is something that really intrigues me, and I could do it forever.
Vicente Olmos, National Operational Excellence Practice, Charlotte, NC
Vicente Olmos Velazco is an intern for our National Operational Excellence team, currently working on internal work. He is majoring in Economics and Computer Science and is in Charlotte, North Carolina. When he is not in school or interning, you can find him with his dog.
What attracted you to Centric? What was it about this company that drew you in?
I was attracted to Centric because of the flexibility with remote working and the culture focused on creating an unmatched experience with customers and employees. Centric is a unique company that values people’s lives and efficiency above all else.
Has what you learned [about hybrid work] changed how you think of your future career, and if so, how?
Yes, what I have learned has shown me the benefits of remote work and the importance of company culture. Now, I am not only seeking a paycheck but also a place where I enjoy working with my colleagues and the company provides the best environment for me to grow as a person.
What is your favorite way to spend your downtime?
I love to hang out with my dog by going on hikes or on swims in the river.
Yohannes Girma, National People and Change Practice, Lenexa, KS
Yohannes Girma is an Intern for our National People and Change team currently working on internal work. He is majoring in Psychology and is located in Lenexa, Kansas. When he is not in school or interning, you can find him at the soccer field.
What is your favorite part about working for Centric so far?
How helpful everybody has been. Everyone has been so kind to me and has taken out time in their busy day to help me out. That makes me feel welcome.
Tell us about your work experience prior to coming to Centric.
I was a journalist for my college for three years. I was also a tour guide for a year. Additionally, I was in the soccer club and Black Student Union.
What about your new role surprises you, so far?
How important communication is. Most consulting is communication done right. So, being in meetings and getting to experience how everyone communicates is eye-opening. I wouldn’t say surprising, but I now realize just how important it is.