How Internships Are Preparing Me for Post-Grad Life

Internships are opportunities for students to experience their chosen career field firsthand before they graduate from college. As a rising senior, I appreciate the experiences I have gained through internships more than ever. These experiences can be valuable for every major regardless of their major. As a Public Relations (PR) student, I can attest that the hands-on learning experiences outside the classroom have made a significant difference in my attitude and preparation for my career after graduation. The learning experience in the classes has prepared us for our next stages in life, and internships are a fantastic way to prepare students to step into their chosen career fields.

Internships are an excellent way for students to showcase the hard work in their academic journey and demonstrate to employers that they are ready to enter their chosen career fields. This summer, I will be interning with a local Public Relations agency, and I am excited to gain hands-on experience and continue to enhance my skills. However, I am also eager to apply the knowledge I have gained in the classroom and from previous internships to this new position. With my previous internship experience, I am confident that I will be successful in this environment as I was previously. 

One important thing that I have learned throughout my internship experiences is that companies hiring undergraduate interns or recently graduated professionals are aware that they have just hired a student or a newly graduated professional. Students are allowed to ask questions and make some mistakes during their internships, as this is how we continue to learn and grow professionally.

NC State has fantastic resources through the Career Development Center to prepare students for internships and postgraduate life. I have used the ePack portal to apply for on-campus and off-campus internship positions. In addition to internships, my on-campus position as a Parent Ally has also prepared me for my future career.

In addition to my summer internship, I will be working throughout the summer during summer Orientation for incoming students and their families, as well as planning fall events hosted by the Office of Parents and Families Services.

Additionally, while I am also a future PR professional, I am also still a student. This summer, I am also taking summer courses through NC State so that I can complete one of my minors. This combination will be a good way for me to develop better time management skills to support my efforts to succeed in any endeavor I undertake.  

As I approach my last year of college, I am grateful for everything including technical skills, that I have learned through my on and off internship experiences that have shaped me as a young professional. 

 If your student hasn’t already, I would recommend that you encourage your student to consider applying for an internship while still in college. 

Parent Ally,

Alina Jackson