Shawnia Yon ’24 interns at Christie’s after her first year..

An experienced dancer, Shawnia Yon ’24 firmly believes that you find what you love by experiencing it firsthand. And since career prep at Conn starts on day one, she’ll have many opportunities to hone her interests and plan for a fulfilling future.

After just one year at Conn, Yon, a dance and self-designed business double major and finance minor, interned at Christie’s international auction house in the trust, estates and appraisals department. There, she helped organize and manage appraisal projects for a variety of purposes, including estate planning and charitable donations. She also completed a final project which included pitching a marketing and sales plan for an individual work of art to a top client.

“Christie’s provided me with an amazing opportunity to experience what it’s like to work in a corporate setting,” Yon said.

“Through this internship, I became a stronger negotiator, problem-solver and relationship builder. The transferable skills—in particular, relationship management—align with my career goals and will make me a resourceful team member who can excel in any company I chose to work with and/or start.”

Yon, who this year joined the Entrepreneurship, Social Innovation, Value and Change Pathway, credits the Hale Center for Career Preparation with readying her for the internship, helping her explore opportunities and providing guidance on specifics, like creating a professional LinkedIn profile.

She has also learned the value of networking.

“I am thankful for the Conn alumni I have networked with who have helped me grow as a student and a professional,” she said.

Yon is currently exploring opportunities for her next internship, which she hopes will be in the marketing department for an entertainment or sports company. After graduation, she plans to dance professionally and pursue a career in marketing.

“Through marketing, I hope to combine my love for creativity and the arts,” she said.