Internships and apprenticeships, when done right, give interns and apprentices life long lessons. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, these opportunities aren’t accessible to many and so we wanted to invite folks who have had these experiences to share some of the lessons they’ve learned.

Alexandra Eady

I love this question so much because it is so important to be able to acknowledge the teachers that you have had, and the lessons that shaped you into the individual you are currently. I was blessed to have so many amazing mentors and teachers. Some through formal internships and apprenticeships and other more informal experiences. I am remembering some of my early years of leading group exercise classes. I was teaching at the University of Minnesota Recreation and Wellness Center. I was a student there and I would lead some of the early morning yoga sculpt classes. I remember loving working in this place alongside other student and professional employees that were passionate about fitness and wellness. It was in this place that I learned the importance of consistency, of showing up for my clients and class participants and also recognizing that through my classes, I had the ability to bring a little sunshine and brightness to someone’s day. I learned the importance of making gym spaces accessible and welcoming to all, so that everyone can feel the power of movement. Read more>>

Jessica Gregoire

Embarking on an internship is like opening a door to the professional world, allowing you to step in and explore your potential career path without committing to a long-term job. It’s a transformative experience that offers valuable insights, lessons, and tools, all of which can pave the way for a successful future in your chosen field. Throughout your internship, you learn, grow, and develop a host of skills and knowledge that are far beyond the scope of any classroom. I will never forget when I first interned with Stace Abrams the summer I was a junior in highschool and it was such an invalauble experience. I learned so much from her. I appreciate the doors that have been opened for me over time by networking and also incorporating Education Development Leadership and Service as my platform. Recognizing the significance of networking is a pivotal aspect of any internship experience. It’s not a facet to be taken lightly, as your ability to connect with others can play a pivotal role in your career advancement. When undertaking an internship, it’s crucial to proactively seek opportunities to expand your professional network. Read more>>

Mandii Brown

Reflecting on my time as a mental health master level intern, I encountered a significant challenge that ultimately became a profound learning experience. When I first joined a private practice for my practicum, I was enthusiastic and eager to learn. However, I inadvertently started a few weeks earlier than scheduled and was unfamiliar with some of the required methodologies. Rather than providing guidance and support, my supervisor dismissed me without notice or explanation, leaving me bewildered and questioning my abilities. It wasn’t until my professor clarified the situation that I understood the missteps. Read more>>

Morenike Olorunnisomo

My internship experiences definitely had an impact on who I am as a person as well as a mental health professional. While I had several internship experiences between undergrad and graduate school and many impactful clients down through the years, there is one client who had a significant impact on me during one of my graduate school internships. Being an intern, I was, of course, still learning how to be a therapist in addition to how I personally wanted to show up for clients in my role as their therapist. In my work with this particular client, I truly came to understand the profound healing power of the therapeutic relationship in a client’s healing journey. I learned that while the book knowledge and complex interventions can be helpful, the healing really lies in the space between therapist and client. Read more>>

Eric Lopez

2009-10 Was my first year in college. I had no idea of what exactly my goal was. One thing I did know, “art”, was my beginning. I grew in the graffiti/ skateboarding culture as a kid. Once I started taking “college” classes, Art classes was an easier route due to familiarity. From what I remembered, an art teacher(now retired) told me about what was happening across the campus. A while after that info, I started taking automotive repair classes.  2012 is when I was offered a internship at Honda R&D Inc. in Torrance, CA. I did 4mos here. This is where I learned about another side of the industry. Prototype, concept, etc. Read more>>

Nick Poppa

When I was just starting out, I had a client who I gave everything to, all the best advice and exercises. I even tried different approaches to bring awareness and commitment to certain aspects however they only seemed to commit to some of the work. Although they were seeing results and in a much better place, I grew a bit frustrated wondering why they weren’t willing to follow through with the rest. It was then that I received one of the best pieces of advice from a mentor: “You can only take a person as far as they are willing to go. Think of it like train stations. There are 6 stops in-between each station from east to west. A client can get on at the furtherest station west and where you’d like them to go is all the way east. Some will get off at the first stop, others the fourth, and you may only have a few that go with you all the way. What matters most is that you gave them everything they needed and you loved and supported them the entire way. Thing is, the first stop may be all that they truly needed. That will be there true east for this time.” Read more>>

Nicolette Gazsi

The company where I had my first internship became the first client of my marketing studio, Refine Projects. In spring 2016, after persistently emailing my favorite brands, I landed an internship at For Love & Lemons. I spent several months as a social media and e-commerce intern, then transitioned to leading their social media. After four years, I moved on to work with major brands like FRAME, Cult Gaia, and Good American. In 2024, For Love & Lemons reached out to me to lead their marketing again, which inspired me to launch my studio—making them my first client. Read more>>