My Summer Plans

As I wrap up my junior year at NC State, it’s hard to believe this will be my final summer as a college student. Wanting to make the most of it, I started planning back during winter break.

In past summers, I’d return home, work at a local restaurant, spend time at the beach (where my parents live), and fit in some travel. This year, I’m shifting focus. After lots of applications and interviews, I was excited to land a marketing internship that starts in early May. As a Communication major with a Business minor, I know this experience will be valuable as I prepare for life after graduation. Since the internship is about an hour from Raleigh, I’ll be moving closer to the office temporarily. I’m also taking a couple of online classes through NC State Summer Sessions to stay on track with my degree. I love how flexible summer courses are—they’re perfect for balancing with work or other commitments.

Of course, I’ve still made room for fun! In June, my family and I are heading to the Bahamas to celebrate my brother’s high school graduation, my parents’ 25th wedding anniversary, and my college journey so far. Then in July, I’m visiting a close friend in New York City for the weekend—she’s studying at NYU, and we’ve stayed close since I transferred from her university.

Resources like the Career Development Center were a big help in landing my internship, from resume reviews to interview prep. Additionally, Pack Planner made it easy to map out my degree progress and choose the right summer courses. This summer strikes the perfect balance of professional development, academic progress, and time with loved ones. Having even a simple plan has helped me stay motivated to finish the semester strong, and I’m looking forward to senior year more than ever. 

Thomas Radford

Go Pack!