As students of Averett University return to campus after a long summer, the air is filled with stories of new experiences and personal growth. For some, the summer months were not spent relaxing by the beach, but diving into the professional world through internships. These real-world experiences have made a mark on their career goals and academic journeys.
This summer, communication major and junior Rebecca Briones interned in Averett University’s Marketing and Communications Department. What began as a fun way to spend time quickly evolved into an experience that reshaped her career aspirations and enhanced her professional skills.
“My main responsibilities during my internship included creating social media posts, writing blogs, and composing emails for prospective and current students,” Briones said. “I developed skills in professional writing and had the opportunity to design social media graphics and flyers.”
Looking back, Briones feels that her internship experience was both fulfilling and invaluable. She appreciates the professional connections she made and the doors that have opened as a result of her work.
“This internship has influenced me in many ways regarding my career plans. It has strengthened my writing and made me realize how much I want to use my writing in my future career,” Briones said. “I don’t think there is anything I would have done differently during my internship.”
Similarly, Annika Kellerer, a biomedical science major, made efficient use of her time off from university. The sophomore spent one month interning at the architecture firm Maier Neuberger Architekten in her hometown of Munich, Germany. This experience shaped her perspective on architecture and influenced her future career plans.
“Working as an intern was an incredible opportunity to see architecture in action. I was involved in real projects, from initial sketches to final presentations. It was fascinating to see how concepts were applied in real-world scenarios,” Kellerer said. “I also had the chance to work with advanced architectural software that I hadn’t used before, and I learned a lot about drafting and modeling.”
As a biomedical science major, Kellerer wanted to explore other professional industries during the summer.
“I made many connections with professionals who inspired me. This experience has not only enhanced my skills but also provided me with new directions for my future career, which I am grateful for,” Kellerer said.
Summer internships have proven to be a crucial part of university education, offering students practical experience, professional growth, and a clearer vision for their futures. As students settle back into their academic routines, they carry with them the lessons and insights gained from a summer spent exploring the professional world.
