David Chew ’13 – Benefitting from the Wabash College Alumni connection and the opportunities Career Services provide, I have taken full advantage of The Small Business Internship Fund Program. This has given me the chance to work at a small business and receive a better understanding about what it takes to run a business. I currently work at Liquor Mart, which is partly owned by Wabash College Alumnus Bob Charles ’59.
I actually met Bob Charles today at Liquor Mart. He is credited for the co-development of the McDonald’s Happy Meal and the invention of the two-lane drive-through. Not to mention how he founded the Imagine Foundation, which helps over 2,000 people with developmental delays or cognitive disabilities. It is rare that one is able to meet a man of his caliber. While we were conversing, he stressed that I learn as much as I can from this experience and that this is a program put in place for students like me wanting to follow in his footsteps.
Throughout my internship in retail management at Liquor Mart, I have been rotated throughout different departments of the store. The different departments help the establishment run smoothly as a whole. I have been working for five weeks now. 
During my employment, I have experienced the positions of I have learned a substantial amount thanks to the SBIF. I have experienced what it takes to keep a business running and learned how Liquor Mart maintains their status as one of the best Liquor Stores in the nation. Without the SBIF, this opportunity would not be possible for me. I am also enjoying Boulder Colorado and the beautiful Rocky Mountains which I have never been able to lay my eyes upon. That is another plus to the SBIF, it allows you to step out of your comfort zone, for me that was Indiana, and experience life in a totally new way.web order management, beer department management, and now beginning my training as a manager.
The first week of my two week interval, I usually spend time learning how to do the job, then the second week I experience the position first hand. I have noticed the importance of every position in the business, whether it involves communicating with customers or negotiating with sales representatives. They are all an important asset to the success of the business.
While taking advantage of the opportunities Career Services provide, I have realized how important and beneficial their program can be. I would advise every Wabash student to get involved with Career Services as early as possible. Wabash College is extremely lucky to have Scott Crawford and Career Services supporting and funding our will to do more while in school. This is an incredible experience and it would not be possible without the help of Career Services and their Small Business Internship Fund Program. Thank you.