Professional Readiness and Leadership

Marketing Intern at Upper Cumberland Tourism

How has your internship helped you grow in your career?

My internship has significantly contributed to my growth by offering hands-on experience in digital marketing, content creation, and tourism promotion. I've gained practical skills in social media management, data analytics, and blog writing, primarily through my work with Meta and Excel. Additionally, working in a collaborative environment with professionals in the industry has expanded my knowledge and network, preparing me for future career opportunities.

Where did you learn about this internship opportunity?

I learned about this internship opportunity through the Center for Rural Innovation at Tennessee Tech University. Through my internship, I've also made many valuable connections while working with local businesses, which has opened many doors for me in the industry.

What advice would you give to those about to start an internship?

I advise future interns to be proactive and ask questions. Internships are a great learning opportunity, and taking initiative and seeking out new experiences is essential. Don't hesitate to leave your comfort zone and try tasks outside your usual responsibilities. Building strong relationships with your colleagues is also key to maximizing your internship.

Staff Accountant Intern at Cannon, Clark, Holman & Associates

How has your internship helped you grow in your career?

 This experience has been invaluable in bridging the gap between theory and practice. I'm able to apply what I've learned, ask questions, and most importantly, gain real-world experience. This internship has played a crucial role in my career journey, offering me a chance to get my foot in the door and experience the field for myself, allowing me to decide whether it aligns with my goals.

Where did you learn about this internship opportunity?

 I learned about this internship opportunity while researching local firms looking for interns. During my high school spring break, I had the chance to job shadow at the firm, and by the end of the week, I was offered an internship starting in the fall.

What advice would you give to those about to start an internship?

To anyone unsure about accepting an internship, I would strongly encourage you to take the leap. This opportunity has been one of the best decisions I've made. Experiencing the work environment and the job firsthand is far more insightful than hearing from someone else. Even if you're uncertain about whether you'll love it, the experience itself will help you make an informed decision.

Analytical Tools & Methods Intern at Tennessee Valley Authority

How has your internship helped you grow in your career?

My internship has helped me grow by giving me real-world experience working with technical teams and large-scale data projects. I learned how to communicate with very technical team members, manage responsibilities across multiple projects, and stay organized in a fast-paced environment. I also gained hands-on experience with tools like Power BI and other advanced analytics. Simply talking to people every day about different projects allowed me to develop my soft skills. Overall, it gave me a better understanding of what I want to do in my career and gave me an insight into the corporate world.

Where did you learn about this internship opportunity?

I grew up near Chattanooga, so I've always known about TVA. I became interested after shadowing someone who works there. This gave me a better understanding of the work and culture. I also made a point to attend every TVA event at Tech and handed them my resume each time, as well as got the recruiter's information so I could contact them.

What advice would you give to those about to start an internship?

Connect with as many people as you can and stay in touch. Building relationships is one of the most valuable parts of an internship. Always follow up!

Find a mentor. I was assigned one, which helped, but I've also found mentors naturally just by connecting with people and maintaining those relationships.

Don't shy away from leadership. At the beginning of my internship, I was nervous around anyone in a leadership role and kept my distance. Looking back, I wish I had introduced myself sooner. The leaders at TVA have been supportive and are great people. Also, they're the ones who help decide future job opportunities, so it is important that they know who you are and what value you are adding to the team. 

Go the extra mile. As an intern, you're always competing for more opportunities. I've heard from classmates that they were often given tasks no one else wanted. Instead of complaining, use those tasks as an opportunity to prove yourself. Show why you deserve more responsibility by doing better than expected. Consistently going above and beyond is what sets you apart.