Shyann Shell supported recruiting, onboarding, internal communication, and marketing initiatives for a solar company and developing professional communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
How did you get your internship?
I got my internship opportunity through my existing involvement with Inty Power. I originally became interested in the company because of its growth within the solar industry and the opportunity to work in multiple areas of operations rather than being limited to one specific task. Throughout my internship, I was able to take on responsibilities connected to recruiting, onboarding, internal communication, and administrative support. Because the company environment is very team-oriented and fast-moving, I was trusted with more responsibilities over time. This allowed me to gain real-world experience that connected directly to both business administration and communication. The internship also gave me insight into how different departments within a company work together to support growth and employee success.
Why did you choose this internship?
I chose this internship because I wanted experience that would allow me to work closely with people while also helping me build transferable business and communication skills. The internship stood out to me because it combined several areas I am interested in, including recruiting, team communication, marketing, and operations. I also liked that no two days were exactly the same, which kept the experience engaging and challenged me to adapt quickly. Since I am interested in careers involving communication, leadership, and business development, I felt this internship would help me gain practical experience in those areas. I wanted an internship where I could contribute meaningfully instead of only observing, and this experience gave me the opportunity to take ownership of projects and responsibilities. It also helped me become more confident in professional settings.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience?
Throughout my internship, I worked on a variety of operational and communication-related tasks that supported both employees and leadership. A large portion of my work involved recruiting and onboarding new hires, communicating with candidates, scheduling interviews, organizing information, and helping new employees through their first stages with the company. I also helped create internal communication materials, coordinated schedules, and assisted with organizing company events and team activities. In addition, I contributed to social media and marketing efforts by helping create content for recruiting and branding purposes.
How was the internship related to your Applied Humanities degree?
My internship connected closely to my Applied Humanities degree because it focused heavily on communication, relationship-building, and understanding how people interact within organizations. Applied Humanities emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and the human side of professional environments, all of which were important during my internship experience. Much of my work involved collaborating with different individuals, supporting workplace culture, and helping improve communication processes. The internship also showed me how humanities-based skills can be applied in business settings, especially in recruiting, onboarding, and team communication.
What was the most satisfying part of your internship?
The most satisfying part of my internship was being able to see the direct impact of my work on both employees and company operations. I especially enjoyed helping with recruiting and onboarding because I was often one of the first people new hires interacted with. It felt meaningful to help create a welcoming and organized experience for them as they entered a new work environment. I also enjoyed being trusted with responsibilities that allowed me to contribute beyond basic administrative tasks. Over time, I became more confident in my ability to communicate professionally and support leadership within the company. Seeing projects come together successfully and knowing I played a role in them was very rewarding.
How has your internship experience influenced your plans for your future?
My internship experience helped confirm my interest in careers involving communication, business operations, and leadership. Before this experience, I knew I enjoyed working with people, but the internship showed me how much I value fast-paced environments where communication and organization are essential.