Houghton, Michigan, United States
My name is Tristyn Phillips, and I am a graduate student at the College of Business at Michigan Technological University. I graduated from Michigan Tech. in April of 2025, earning my Bachelor's of Science in Economics. As I move forward in my academic journey, I continue to challenge myself in the pursuit of knowledge, and in my experience in the field. I am highly committed to paving my way toward a successful career. I am lucky enough to be in a position to gain knowledge both inside, and outside the classroom. I recently concluded my work as an Internal Controls Intern at Masco Corporation, headquartered in Livonia. This experience had been a wonderful introduction to the corporate workstyle, as I am able to work independently to test an array of controls, as well as collaborate with management, and various department representatives, as we worked toward a common goal. Supporting the Corporate Control Services team as we worked tirelessly to ensure compliance, and improve operational efficiency introduced me to exciting, new endeavors each day. While enrolled as a undergraduate student, I had the chance to work as a Teaching Assistant for the MTU College of Business. The opportunity to meet with students directly, assist them in their academic development, and support them as they achieve their goals was incredibly rewarding. Additionally, in the summer of 2024, I had the pleasure of working as a Finance Clerk Intern at Bish's RV of Coldwater. In this role I was able to meet with customers looking to finance their new unit, and continue to aid in the financing process behind the scenes. My team and I worked hard to secure the best deal possible for each, and every customer by communicating personally with bank representatives, credit union representatives, insurance agents, and other industry professionals. I have also previously held the position of Lead Intake Intern at the Michigan Small Business Development Center. This position allowed me to meet with clients one-on-one, as well as shadow Business Consultants as they advised and supported local small business owners. I am pleased to say that I am a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon, the prestigious International Honors Society in Economics. As such, I work hard each day to maintain a high academic standing in the field of my major, and in my studies as a whole. I look forward to beginning my future career, but I continue to appreciate each step of my academic, and professional journey.
- Coordinate with various department representatives to establish sensible timelines for Corporate Control Services (CCS) support collection, and timely control testing - Independently test controls across numerous corporate departments, ensuring all testing is complete and accurate - Identify areas eligible for optimization throughout the testing process, and collaborate with CCS leadership to determine how to best improve the process for all departments involved - Engage in special project work as directed by CCS leadership to streamline any additional department processes - Support the CCS team through the handling of a variety of administrative functions
- Engage with students individually to ensure their thorough understanding of course material, providing helpful feedback to guide them throughout the process. - Communicate effectively, and regularly with the course professor to devise a plan of action regarding how to best support them, and their students. - Aptly complete essential tasks to maintain a regular workflow for both students, and the professors, allowing the course to maintain a flexible schedule.
- Meet with customers on their day of delivery, walk them through their paperwork, and obtain all of the necessary signatures and other legal documents. - Sort and organize each completed deal, ensuring all of the necessary paperwork has been received, and forward all necessary documents to the proper bank or credit union for funding. - Regularly communicate with financial institutions to ensure each deal has had its funding requirements met, and pursue any additionally requested documents. - Touch base with customers regarding the status of their deal, and create a plan together to best obtain any additional documentation needed for finalization.
- Continue to welcome new clients to the MI-SBDC through engaging remote meetings, and following up with valuable, authentic notes, along with appropriate consultant referral. - Interact with incoming clients, and assist them in the process of connecting with the Michigan Small Business Development Center. - Demonstration proper position fulfillment by producing high-level output that will best assist other Michigan Small Business Development Center professionals in their line of work. - Meet with fellow young professionals to answer any questions they may have, and provide helpful resources that will help them to achieve their goals.
- Actively engage with the regional team to ensure every member is able to reach their individual goals, and feels supported in doing so. - Work closely with senior interns to better understand the organization, and learn how to best contribute to the overall output. - Participate in the client intake process, which includes meeting with clients individually to discuss their current situation, and referring them to the appropriate consultant.
- Greet customers in a friendly manner, and introduce the latest deals, seasonal menu options, charity events, or other specialty situations. - Work quickly to take and accurately input orders, as well as deliver food items to the correct tables, all while maintaining a friendly attitude.