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.

Lauren Wilburne

I had a few internships when I was still living in New York City. The first one was at a marketing company called Takeout Marketing. It was my first time working in a cool office with people around my age. I developed business relationships there that I still have today. Interning went very well there, but I also realized I had a lot to learn. Also at this time I wanted to work in the music business, so I got two different internships at two different record labels at the same time. Read more>>

Bree Chester

When I was an undergrad seeking my degree in Communication specializing in Public Relations, with a minor in marketing, I was fortunate to take my internship with United Way of Etowah County as a Marketing Intern. I assisted the Director of Marketing and the Success by 6 Program in my role. Success By 6 supports a whole-child approach to education, focusing on both cognitive skills and the child’s social and emotional development. To be more specific, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family’s income. Read more>>

Rose Groves

Prior to starting my own business, I worked in international diplomacy and foreign affairs. Quite the jump to photography in some respects, but hey, that’s kind of how life works and I am happier now for it. One of the most invaluable skills I learned in the world in foreign affairs is flexibility and effective communication. I was constantly interacting with people from all kinds of backgrounds, religious beliefs, socio-economic levels and ages. Working among people of such diverse cultures was and is critical to my soft skills now as a business owner because I understand the importance of strong communication. Read more>>

Amanda Marcano

Ok, we’ll I went through 3 different apprenticeships in my 17 yrs! Let me tell you my first one, 2months was very straight to the point! You learned the way of the salon. No outside artistry at all was accepted. It molded me to think about only me and how great I was. When I’m all reality I had so much to learn. Second was with Devina and Kelly and Omg!! Those two women were my answers too success! It was like an on going apprenticeship until I felt I was ready! I mean my first lesson was wrapping a towel after a shampoo and I couldn’t move on until I “mastered the craft”. Read more>>