Internships
Throughout my time abroad, during the summer, and as a full-time student, I have gained valuable internship experience across multiple disciplines, including art education, marketing, and event planning.
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Below is a reflection and portfolio from my internship abroad at La Petite Académie, along with descriptions of my other internships and samples of my creative and professional work.
Internship Abroad
January 2024 - May 2024
As a Language and International Business student at Clemson University, one of the most valuable aspects of our program is completing an internship while abroad. These experiences allow students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, immersing themselves in the language and culture of their host country. During my semester in Montpellier, France, I had the privilege of interning at La Petite Académie, an art school for children that focuses on fostering creativity. This internship provided me with an opportunity to combine my passion for art education with my French language skills in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
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At the start of my internship, I set three personal goals: a professional goal to develop my teaching skills in an art education setting, a cultural goal to engage deeply with French language and culture through meaningful connections, and a personal goal to increase my French fluency by practicing the language daily. By the end of my internship, I was proud to have achieved these goals, each contributing significantly to both my professional and personal growth.
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As an intern at La Petite Académie, my responsibilities included teaching students a variety of art forms, including drawing, painting, and sculpture, while also introducing them to aspects of French art history. I worked closely with my French colleagues to organize and facilitate creative activities tailored to children of all ages. My role involved encouraging students to explore their artistic abilities while fostering a fun and welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that each student received personalized attention and support.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship was the opportunity to immerse myself in the French language. Through daily conversations with both colleagues and students, I strengthened my fluency in a natural, engaging way. Discussing art projects, sharing in the students' excitement, and being part of their creative process gave me valuable insights into the nuances of the French language and culture.
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This internship was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to combine my academic interests with hands-on learning. It pushed me out of my comfort zone by placing me in an environment where I had to think on my feet, both linguistically and creatively. Although I have held other internships, few have been as immersive and fulfilling as this one. My time at La Petite Académie not only expanded my teaching and communication skills but also enabled me to develop a deeper appreciation for French art and culture. I am incredibly grateful for this experience, which has prepared me to succeed in both international business and multicultural environments in the future.
Breakthrough T1D Internship
May 2024 - August 2024
My internship at Breakthrough T1D was an incredible journey that allowed me to combine my passion for marketing with a cause that is deeply personal to me. As someone with a mother who has type 1 diabetes (T1D), this internship not only provided me with valuable professional experience but also gave me the opportunity to contribute to a mission that resonates with my own family’s story. Throughout my time at Breakthrough T1D, I was involved in several impactful projects that focused on raising awareness, engaging with the T1D community, and supporting advocacy efforts.
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One of my primary responsibilities was working on the organization’s social media strategy, where I helped create content that resonated with younger generations. My role was to develop posts and schedules that promoted advocacy, education, and fundraising efforts. I particularly enjoyed creating engaging posts about the Special Diabetes Program (SDP) renewal and its importance to T1D research, as well as sharing personal stories from the T1D community, which helped humanize the mission and connect with audiences on a deeper level. I worked closely with various departments, learning how each team collaborates to move the organization’s initiatives forward, which gave me a holistic view of how Breakthrough T1D operates.
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One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship was the opportunity to participate in the planning and promotion of events such as the Breakthrough T1D Walk. I contributed by developing content to encourage participation and donations, and it was incredibly fulfilling to see how these efforts helped raise awareness and funds for T1D research. I also attended meetings with the youth advocacy council, where I was able to engage with young advocates and contribute ideas on how the organization could better appeal to this demographic.
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Beyond the professional growth I gained, my internship at Breakthrough T1D gave me a deeper understanding of the T1D community and its needs. It was inspiring to see how a collective effort, including advocacy, fundraising, and research, can make a tangible impact on improving the lives of those living with T1D. This experience not only shaped my career goals but also reinforced the importance of working for a cause I care about. It was an experience I will carry with me, both personally and professionally, as I continue to develop my career in marketing and advocacy.
Ferriss and Co. Internship
May 2023 - Aug 2023
My internship at Ferris & Co. provided me with a unique opportunity to blend my passion for design with hands-on experience in residential interior design. As a company that tells the story of its clients through the design of their spaces, Ferris & Co. emphasizes creating personalized interiors that reflect each client’s unique style. This was something I truly connected with, as it highlighted the importance of both aesthetic and functional design in shaping how people live.
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One of my main responsibilities was creating engaging content for the company’s website, blog posts, and other online platforms. I focused on crafting content that resonated with users and helped drive engagement. ​I also organized and executed an online inventory sale that featured hundreds of items owned by Ferriss and Co. This involved photographing, documenting, and listing each item on for sale on the company website, and posting updates on the companies social media platforms. It was extremely fulfilling to see how my efforts resulted in such a successful outcome.
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Additionally, I assisted in coordinating events for over 100 attendees, which included both in-person and virtual components. This involved logistics, communication, and ensuring a seamless experience for everyone involved. On top of that, I had the chance to support the team on onsite interior design projects for retail clients, which allowed me to see the design process come to life in real-time.
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During my internship, I also had the opportunity to work on a collaboration project with a local restaurant. This involved assisting in a photoshoot to create visually engaging content for their marketing campaign. I even had the unique experience of being a hand model for some of the shots, which added a fun and creative element to the project. It was a great chance to combine my creativity with hands-on experience in branding and visual storytelling, while also learning more about collaborative marketing efforts.
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This internship has been a great learning experience, allowing me to explore both the creative and operational aspects of interior design. The hands-on work, combined with the ability to contribute to content creation and sales events, has strengthened my skills in marketing, event coordination, and design. It’s been an amazing opportunity to work with a team that is passionate about transforming spaces and I’m excited to carry what I’ve learned into my future career.