HPU Summer Internship Spotlight
By James Ensor, News and Layout Editor //
Many students choose to participate in some sort of internship experience at least one time in their college career.
Whether a student chooses to work for a national organization or a local company, internships give them real-world experience in their field of study.
In addition to real-world experience, students are able to form professional relationships and contacts that can prove to be beneficial upon graduation.
The students featured here have achieved impressive titles at big-name companies across the United States all while representing HPU in a positive manner.
Jasmine Williams
Production Services Intern at Gannett Co., Inc.
Communications, Class of 2016
What You Learned: I think the most important thing that I learned at my internship was the importance of making connections. I was fortunate enough to connect with so many driven people who can help me further my career.
Favorite Experience: My favorite project that I worked on was launching Gannett’s first company-wide “Intern Week.” We used social media to promote Gannett and the intern program. It allowed me to meet interns from all over the country and give my ideas on how to make the program better for next year.
Jaime McCoy
Student Intern at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors
Strategic Communications, Class of 2016
What You Learned: I developed essential skills in confidence, time management and dedication that enabled me to excel at my internship this summer.
Duties: I was the only intern for my team, Web Communications and Development, of seven people. I provided text descriptions of data and reports for those who may not be able to access them because of disabilities. My work was primarily independent or with my team.
Nick Bellamy
Product Development/Textile Intern at Pottery Barn
Interior Design, Class of 2017
Duties: I worked on a lot of little projects helping develop ideas for the outdoor collection for 2015 and also for the late summer 2015 collection. The big task that I worked on was the business plan and creative plan for a whole new Pottery Barn brand that 10 of the interns worked on and ended up presenting it to the executives of Pottery Barn, and Williams-Sonoma Inc.
Internship Benefits: It was refreshing to work at a company that treated you as if you were a full time employee and at the same level as everyone there and didn’t treat you like you were an intern.
Erinn Spack
Operations Intern at CBS News
Communications, Class of 2015
Application Process: I submitted a resume and application including great recommendations from staff at HPU. I participated in a phone interview as well. In the end, I was one of ten interns selected representing High Point along with students from Princeton, Yale and Vassar!
Internship Benefits: In the end, I was very happy to learn how well my courses at HPU prepared me for my internship at CBS news. I found that much of the production process and the terminology was familiar to me. Between my internship and my courses at HPU, I feel I’ve developed a strong foundation for future employment…hopefully right back at CBS in DC!
Hannah Grau
Design Assistant at Warehouse 67
Interior Design, Class of 2017
Application Process: I was hired off of the showroom floor when working the High Point Furniture Market for Hooker Furniture. I helped the owner of Warehouse 67 choose the fabrics for a contrasting wing-back chair at Hooker Furniture and she hired me right there on the spot.
What You Learned: I learned the trades of the furniture and design business. I was able to cater to my own clients and help design customized furniture for clients. I got to do everything from designing a setting for a dining table in a couple’s quaint home, to offering advice on fabrics and wall colors for high-end million dollar homes. I learned many things I would never be able to attain in a classroom.