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.

Jordan Scales

I work in a very niche industry (private aviation). As an aviation student, I had no clue what I wanted to do as a profession. It wasn’t until my second internship when I met a private jet salesman that I discovered what my dream was. I considered myself very fortunate because not many students have the opportunity to obtain an internship and even fewer find their calling when serving in their role. Because of this, I have dedicated much of my energy to helping college students, and young professionals discover opportunities within my industry. Read more>>

Angel Neal

Internships are so important. What I learned that has stuck with me is to keep up with connections because they may be helpful later! Always stay in contact with people. One of my favorite internships turned employment was at Cosmopolitan Magazine the Latina edition. Even as a intern I was giving an opportunity to lead, organize the fashion closet, assist the lead stylist on editorial shoots for the publication. Read more>>

Jen Moreno

It was the beginning of 2009 and my year sure got off to a rocky start. I was in my second year at a community college, working 2-3 jobs, going to school full-time, and heavily involved at church at the time. Even though I was young and could keep up with everything that was going on, I was one straw away from completely demolishing the camel’s back. I knew something had to give, but I just couldn’t step away from anything at the time. As the universe would have it, my grandfather passed suddenly and the facade I had built up around me came crumbling down. Read more>>