Internships in College

Throughout my college experience, I've been fortunate to complete several internships that have truly shaped my professional journey. From my marketing and communications internship with the National Western Stock Show to my current role as the social media intern for the University of Wyoming, each position has offered hands on experience, meaningful mentorship and a deeper understanding of the fields that I am passionate about. These roles have strengthened my skills in content creation, branding and audience engagement, while also reinforcing my commitment to the field of communication.

Internships have taught me how to take the initiative, adapt to new challenges and collaborate with diverse teams. Whether I was working behind the scenes at a large scale livestock event or curating posts to connect with a university audience, I’ve gained real world insight that a classroom alone simply couldn’t provide. I encourage every student, regardless of major, to pursue internship opportunities early and often. You never know where an experience might lead or what doors it might open. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of interning is the incredible networking opportunities that come with each experience. During my time with the National Western Stock Show, I had the chance to connect with professionals from all corners of the agriculture and event industries, everyone from media, news teams and marketing directors to livestock producers, rodeo committees and sponsors. Being in such a high energy, fast paced environment allowed me to build meaningful relationships with individuals who are passionate about the western lifestyle and dedicated to preserving its legacy. Networking through internships isn’t just about growing your contact list, it’s about finding your community and building a foundation for your future. These connections have already opened doors for future collaborations and job and internship opportunities, and they’ve given me a strong support system of mentors and peers who continue to encourage my goals in media and communications.  

Getting hands on experience through internships helps you discover what you’re truly passionate about, what environments you thrive in and what roles might not be the right fit. That kind of clarity is invaluable as you make decisions about your future. When you’re immersed in the day to day operations and tasks of a real workplace, whether you're managing social media, helping coordinate events or contributing to a marketing campaign, you begin to develop not just technical skills, but also a deeper understanding of your own strengths and interests. I even learned skills I didn’t know existed before, like writing e-blasts to targeted audiences, which taught me the power of strategic messaging and digital outreach. These moments of growth help you shape your goals and identify the type of career path that aligns with both your passions and your lifestyle. On top of that, internships help you build a professional presence early on, showing future employers that you’re motivated, experienced and ready to take on challenges. The connections you make and the mentorship you receive during these experiences can become some of the most powerful tools in your toolkit, offering guidance, references and opportunities down the road. All of this plays a huge role in setting you up for long term success, whether it’s standing out in a competitive job market, getting into grad school or stepping confidently into your first full time role.

Looking back on the internships I’ve completed, I realize how pivotal each experience has been in shaping not only my resume, but my purpose. These opportunities pushed me out of my comfort zone, connected me with people I now consider mentors and helped confirm that I’m on the right path. From learning how to write blogs to supporting large scale events, I’ve gained skills I didn’t even know existed, and that’s what makes internships so powerful. They allow you to explore, fail forward and find out what truly fulfills you. 

If you’re a student wondering what’s next, I encourage you to chase every opportunity that aligns with your interests. Whether your future lies in science, media, agriculture or education, there’s an internship waiting for you to dive into. Take the initiative to explore what’s out there, ask questions and be open to learning. Some of the best places to find internships include UW’s career center, your college's success center or career services office, online platforms like Handshake and LinkedIn, or by directly reaching out to companies or organizations that you are passionate about. The experiences you gather now will serve as a launchpad for your career, giving you the tools, connections and clarity to move forward with purpose and confidence.