Mia Roig expanded her technical skills and gained experience marketing and planning events with the College of Humanities Marketing Team.
Why did you choose this internship?
I first heard about this internship opportunity from Stephanie Springer (the Applied Humanities Internship Director), who introduced me to the supervisor. Initially, I was nervous about taking on an internship as a sophomore, but I decided to go for it because I wanted to build my skills in marketing. Although it's not my primary field of study, I saw it as a chance to learn something new and gain hands-on experience. After a few months in the role, I knew I'd made the right choice. I could see real growth in both my marketing skills and my professional skills, which has been incredibly rewarding.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience?
During my internship, I had the chance to work on a variety of projects and tasks. These included event planning, content creation, film assisting, and inventory management. When I was in the office, I often helped with inventory and assembling promotional items for different events we had planned throughout the week. When working outside the office, I was usually involved in content creation for Instagram, which helped me improve my editing skills. For event planning, I contributed to various stages of the process, from choosing decor to setting up and breaking down the event. The internship also allowed me to hone my communication, interpersonal skills, and project management abilities.
How did your Applied Humanities major coursework help prepare you and give you unique insight for the internship experience?
My coursework in Applied Humanities played a significant role in preparing me for this internship. It helped me understand the importance of critical thinking and gave me the confidence to dive into hands-on work without hesitation. My studies also introduced me to tools like Adobe Premiere and Canva, which I used regularly during my internship. Having familiarity with these tools made me feel more comfortable tackling projects that required them. Beyond the technical skills, my courses encouraged me to think critically and creatively, which offered a unique perspective during my internship.
What was your favorite part of your internship?
One of the highlights of my internship was participating in and helping plan the “Tim Gunn: Poetry of Fashion” event. It was one of the most fulfilling experiences I've had in college. Not only was I involved in the planning stages, but I also participated in the event and served as one of the moderators. Tim Gunn has been a huge inspiration to me for years, and he's a key reason I decided to study Public and Applied Humanities with an emphasis in Fashion Studies. During the event, I sharpened my public speaking skills and was pushed far outside my comfort zone. Being a part of this event was a unique opportunity that taught me valuable skills and left me with unforgettable memories.
What did you find challenging about your internship?
The most challenging part of my internship was staying motivated and passionate about the smaller tasks that were required to make the big events possible. I often focused on the bigger projects and found it harder to get excited about the day-to-day details. However, this experience taught me the importance of appreciating both big and small projects. Even though the smaller tasks might not seem as impactful, they play an essential role in any project and offer valuable learning opportunities. I learned that every experience, no matter how minor, has something to teach.
How has your internship experience influenced your plans for your future?
My internship has opened my eyes to new possibilities in marketing and public relations, and I now see it as a potential long-term career path. Before this, I never thought I'd end up working in higher education marketing, but this experience has shown me the importance of being open to unexpected opportunities. As my first internship, it underscored the value of gaining hands-on experience and made me excited about future internships.
What advice do you have for other students as they search for and begin their internship?
My advice to students searching for internships is to keep an open mind, even if the opportunities don't align perfectly with your long-term goals. Every experience has value and can offer surprising lessons and skills.
When starting an internship, don't be afraid to ask questions and reach out to colleagues for guidance. Remember, everyone knows you're learning, and making mistakes is a natural part of the growth process. Just embrace the journey and take full advantage of the learning opportunities that come your way.