This summer, I had my first internship experience. Truthfully, the reason I had even strived for an internship in the first place was because there was a part of me that felt like I had to — like it was the normal progression in the journey of my college career. I held two part-time internships this summer, one at Richmond Magazine and the other at a startup newsroom. I had no idea how fruitful my two new experiences would be. I learned so much more doing 40 hours a week with professionals than I probably could have anywhere else, and for that reason, I could not recommend doing a summer internship more.
That got me thinking about if other HCVCU members feel the same way. I talked to three of our members who completed summer internships of their own, and here’s what they had to say.
Ariana, Editorial Operations Director (she/her)
Major: Fashion Merchandising
Internship Site: A creative studio in Richmond
Q: What did you do at your internship?
A: Each week we prepared for events or photo shoots we were hosting. One week, I was in charge of capturing behind-the-scenes footage when we did a photoshoot. Another week, we prepared a networking event for local creatives to come together and make connections. That was a rewarding experience as I met many Richmonders that are in various creative industries including models, photographers, event planners and more. By the end of the summer, I had helped to create shot lists for a short film we were drafting.
Q: What did you like the most about your internship?
A: I enjoyed the educational side of the women who owned the studio. They took time to talk to each of us about what we wanted to do in our careers and tried to give us projects based on our interests. I learned so much about the small creative community in Richmond and how networking events can bring us all together. I learned about the possibilities in the fashion industry in Richmond but also beyond without needing to move to a new city. There really is no guidebook to being successful in a creative industry so their knowledge and experience brought so much insight.
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting the same internship, or a similar one?
A: Do your research on the community/industry you’re interested in working with. It may take some time, but once you find a few options you see yourself working with, cold email! Introduce yourself and offer your time — even if it is not paid. They may not respond so that is when persistence is key. Always stay enthusiastic and willing to learn through communication online and in person. Once you get the internship, do the work and help out in ways that aren’t expected. It will show your work ethic and that may be noted for a career there post-grad.
Raquel, Staff Writer (she/her)
Major: Interdisciplinary Science, Minor in business
Internship Site: The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Diversity Summer Internship Program
Q: What did you do at your internship?
A: During my internship, I researched acral lentiginous melanoma and its relationship to drug treatment. I conducted western blots, reverse phase protein array and immunofluorescence as a part of my lab duties. Outside of the lab, I went to weekly professional + personal development sessions, where I heard from professors and people throughout the school about their experience and research in public health. Outside of our programming, I also went to the Baltimore Museum of Art, the AFRAM Festival & an Orioles game!
Q: What did you like the most about your internship?
A: I enjoyed meeting other students from different backgrounds and experiences who had a similar interest in public health. The bonds I formed in these eight weeks will definitely last a lifetime. I also loved seeing everyone’s project come together and hearing about the variety of public health research going on at Bloomberg. I also loved my roommates and cohort!
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting the same internship, or a similar one?
A: You are qualified and you’re there for a reason! Take advantage of all the resources and opportunities available through the program. Go to all the events, even when you’re skeptical or don’t feel like it. Step out of your comfort zone as much as possible!
Sadie, Staff Writer (she/her)
Major: Fashion Merchandising
Internship Site: Buying Intern at Burlington
Q: What did you do at your internship?
A: At my internship I would analyze financial reports, write orders, attend meetings, converse with vendors and suggest product changes based on the Gen Z customer and current trends.
Q: What did you like the most about your internship?
A: I liked being able to share my opinions and ideas with industry professionals in a setting that was out of my comfort zone. Doing this made me feel valued and more confident in my ability to succeed in the industry that I have been dreaming of being in since I was little.
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting the same internship, or a similar one?
A: Don’t be afraid to network! I am very introverted so networking is really difficult for me, but it is true that it’s all about who you know. Unless you’re a nepo baby you have to find the right people to know and the only way to do that is through networking.