Angelae Smith built upon her existing administrative experience while developing new skills in payroll processing, travel coordination, and workplace engagement initiatives at the Louisiana Department of Health’s Bureau of Family Health.
How did you get your internship?
I was already working for the Louisiana Department of Health when I learned that I could complete my internship by finding an opportunity to expand my current role or branch out to develop a new skill set. This was a great opportunity because I was familiar with the environment and expectations at my work, but I could also take on new challenges that aligned with my academic goals. My supervisor supported the idea and helped me identify projects and responsibilities that would meet the internship requirements while benefiting the team.
Why did you choose this internship?
I chose this internship because it allowed me to combine my everyday job responsibilities with a focus on skill building. Since I already worked in the Bureau of Family Health, I knew I could step right in and contribute, but I also wanted to take on new tasks that would challenge me. This internship gave me the chance to go deeper into areas like payroll, travel authorization, and policy updates, which are skills I can carry into future roles.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience?
My work included a wide range of administrative and financial tasks. I processed payroll, corrected errors, and completed pay period adjustments. I coordinated travel authorizations, ensured documentation was accurate, and communicated with vendors to resolve payment issues. I also helped plan team building activities, created internal communications, updated contact lists, and handled onboarding tasks for new hires. Every week was different, and I learned to balance routine duties with special projects.
What new transferable skills did you develop during this internship?
I strengthened my attention to detail by reviewing financial documents and resolving errors. I developed my communication skills through daily interactions with staff, HR, and vendors. I also learned more about event coordination while planning team building activities and professional spirit weeks. Managing payroll and travel processes taught me to follow strict policies and meet deadlines, skills that can be applied in any professional setting.
What was your favorite part of your internship?
My favorite part was seeing the direct impact of my work. Whether it was ensuring staff got paid correctly, organizing activities that boosted team morale, or helping new hires get settled, I could see how my efforts supported the whole office. It was satisfying to know that I was trusted with responsibilities that made a difference in both the daily operations and the workplace culture.
What was a challenge you faced during your internship?
One of the challenges was balancing my regular workload with the additional learning goals of the internship. Because the work environment was familiar, it could have been easy to stick to my usual tasks. Instead, I made a point to take on new responsibilities and ask for training in areas like payroll and policy compliance. I learned that growth happens when you push beyond your routine.
What advice do you have for other students as they search for and begin their internship?
Look for an internship that not only fits your current skills but also challenges you to develop new ones. Even if you are in a familiar setting, take initiative to explore different areas and ask for opportunities to learn. The more you put into the experience, the more you will gain from it both for your current role and your future career.