Abigail Collins, a junior business administration major and member of the Devils women's lacrosse team had the opportunity to intern with the human resources department at Baltusrol Golf Club this past February. She was then asked to remain on staff as a front desk receptionist following the completion of her internship. Throughout the experience, Collins developed valuable professional and interpersonal skills while learning the importance of teamwork in a workplace setting. Her responsibilities included assisting with daily HR operations, helping organize and maintain employee medical files, supporting onboarding and orientation for new hires, and completing various administrative tasks. In her role as front desk receptionist, she continued to strengthen her communication, customer service, and organizational skills by interacting with members and guests, answering questions, managing phone calls, creating reservations, and helping ensure the club operates smoothly.

FDU athletics decided to learn more about what made her experience so special and how she can levy her newly refined skills onto the field during lacrosse season.

Being a Business Administration major, is there a dream role within the business world that you'd like to achieve and why?

As a business administration major, I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to explore a variety of different career paths within the business world. After getting some hands-on experience as a human resources intern, I have learned that I enjoy working with people while also being involved in the organizational and administrative side of a business. I would love to continue developing my leadership skills and eventually have a role where I can help create a positive, creative workplace environment, support employees, and contribute to the overall success of an organization.

What inspired you to pursue the internship you had and what made the decision so easy to stay once they asked you to remain on with them?

I was initially inspired to pursue the internship because I wanted to gain real-world experience in a professional business setting. I was especially interested in Human Resources because it allowed me to combine my interest in the organizational side of business while working directly with people.

Once I started at the club, the decision to remain on was very easy. Following the conclusion of my internship I was fortunate enough to be extended the opportunity to work at the front desk where I could practice my interpersonal skills alongside reinforcing the organizational and professional skills I learned from the human resources office.

What skills have you learned in this internship/new job that you're looking forward to bringing to the field during lacrosse season?

Working in a professional environment has exemplified to me how every individual involved at work is important no matter how big or small their role is. As an intern I was pleasantly surprised that everyone involved in the club's operations saw the value in me and what I could bring to the team to assist them on the job. This taught me that no matter how big or small a member of the FDU women's lacrosse team, coaches, trainers, and more, everyone plays an important role in making the season go smoothly and be successful.

What skills have you taken from being a Division III women's lacrosse player into the real world?

Being a Division III student-athlete has taught me a variety of valuable life lessons that I have and will continue to take with me in the real world such as the importance of discipline, accountability, communication and the importance of working towards a shared goal. While my goal working at the golf club wasn't to run an offensive set as a team and score, it was to run the daily operations at the club as a team to ensure each member and guest who visits the club has a positive experience. Lacrosse has taught me how to work toward a common goal with people who have different strengths and personalities. I have been able to carry those lessons into the workplace by being dependable, working well with others, and holding myself accountable for the work I do just like I do on the field.

Do you play golf and if not, has this job made you want to start playing?

I do not currently play golf, but working at the club has definitely made me interested in learning more about the game. Being around the golf course and seeing how much time, skill, and dedication goes into the sport has given me a new appreciation for it. I have really enjoyed being part of a golf club environment, and I think learning to play would be a fun way to experience the club from a different perspective!

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