Internships and apprenticeships are a time-honored rite of passage in many industries. We’ve asked some brilliant folks to share some of the most important lessons they learned during these early experiences in their career.
Nya Russell
When I was just starting out, I knew I needed hands-on experience in hospitality, but I didn’t know where or how I’d get it. One day I went on TikTok, searched for Black-owned hotels, and came across a property in Jamaica. I didn’t know I’d be going to Jamaica until that very moment, but I saw an opportunity. Read more>>
Colton Daniels
When I was a graduate student, one of my jobs was that of a research assistant (basically an academic intern). It was during this time that a couple of mentors taught me the importance of patience. Read more>>
Blaine Chiappetta
My first real job after college was at a company called Marvista Entertainment. It was a small production company when I joined it as a temp (its grown a lot since then), but was still churning out an impressive slate of movies each year. Read more>>
Dujuan Thomas
When I was a regional management intern with BodyArmor Sports Drink, the opportunity came about in a very unique way. I met Mike Repole, the CEO, at the Kentucky Derby. I took a chance in that moment and asked if he would consider mentoring me. To my surprise, he agreed, and that opened the door to my internship. Read more>>
Kaitlin Olson
To become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, you must complete 3,000 clinical and non-clinical hours before you can sit for the licensing exam. This translates to thousands of face-to-face sessions where you’re learning how to help people process their struggles while also figuring out how to be a therapist. Read more>>
KYLA CHANNELL
During my dietetics undergrad at UC Davis, I did what every future RD was expected to do: complete three internships—food service management, community nutrition, and clinical. The first two were energizing in different ways. In food service I learned systems and scale in a bustling kitchen; in community nutrition I taught low-income families and kids how to build healthier plates. Both felt hands-on and hopeful. Read more>>