My Mentorship Experience

Charles Benson
Placement
● At first, I was placed at Harbor Landing under the advisement of Mr. Dee Early. This was during the
months of September and October, but then I had to relocate as the season for renting boats
dwindled.
○ This was a more relaxed position, it largely consisted of dock and boat maintenance as well as customer
service.
○ Overall this was a fantastic introduction to Margaritaville, and after I was told that they would no longer be
open during my mentorship period I could hardly wait to see what was next in my experience with this
amazing park.
My Expectations
● I was pretty excited when Ms. Killingsworth asked me if I wanted to mentor at the marina. I had
grown up boating on Lake Lanier so I knew a fair amount about boats.
● I expected to learn more about customer service as well as boating in general.
○ Whenever a boat would come back in (I never arrived early enough for a boat’s departure), the employees
and I would help dock it, assess any damages, and refuel it
○ If there was a party boat that we were preparing for a group the next day, we would clean the inside and
outside of the boat, fuel it, and make sure everything was in its right place (these boats are absolutely HUGE!)
● In the end I suppose my expectations were met. Although I try not to envision situations before
they are introduced, if I were to expect anything, it would have been a friendly environment. And
this was evident in my experience.
Accounting
● After the boating season came to a close, I was moved to the accounting department, under the
advisement of Ms. Sara Spielman. I expected a boring, eye-straining experience, but it turned out to
be very cool. I rarely spent my time on the computer, and although there were some days where I
had to file paperwork, most of the time it was something different.
○ Some interesting things I have done in the accounting department:
■ Put up posters around the park
■ Transport large mascot outfits
■ Set up scavenger hunts
■ Buy and set up plants during the holiday season
■ Learn about sales reports
○ Things I have done at Harbor Landing
■ Drive pontoon boats
■ Fix dock ramps
■ Clean giant houseboats
■ Witness high-end boats in action
■ Learn about customer service
● My experience at Margaritaville was much more enjoyable than I could have ever hoped, I
managed to have fun while learning about finance and proper business management.
What I Have Learned
● Some of the accountants at Margaritaville really helped be gain a better insight of the finance field.
● Although I never made any grave mistakes at either location, I still feel that I have improved my
communication skills and learned how to actively listen and retain directions.
● There have been many times where I have been stressed out in fear of making a mistake for
example:
○ Buying plants- and a lot of them. (I now know what poinsettias are). It was also fun trying to figure out the
best way to bring them back to Margaritaville in my truck
○ Depositing checks for the company- it gets pretty stressful when people trust you with lots of money
○ Driving pontoon boats- I have driven a center console my entire life, pontoon boats dont turn or take waves
as easily
● I suppose that my ability to handle stress and think critically was enhanced!
My Next Step
The Honors Mentorship Program has been such a great experience for me, and I cannot wait to partake in
it next year. As much as I loved being at Margaritaville, I believe I will pursue a mentorship at a law firm to
explore my other field of interest. I am so glad that I get this amazing chance to expand my horizons at
such an early age!