Students blog

There’s plenty of advice on how to secure and succeed in an internship, but much of it can be too vague to act on. After completing four internships, I’ve developed practical methods to achieve the goals outlined in countless “how-to-be-great-at-interning” articles. Here are my three best tips to stand out as an intern.

1. Ask the Right Questions

To appear engaged, ask questions; to truly impress as an intern, ask the right questions. If you ask about every detail mentioned in a meeting or pose overly basic questions, coworkers may quickly lose patience. Instead, handle simple questions on your own and reserve asking others about topics that demonstrate your curiosity and expertise.

For example, if your company uses a lot of acronyms, there might be a glossary or "cheat sheet" available. Or, if you don’t understand something at work, try a quick Google search first. That way, you can reserve your coworkers’ time for more in-depth and thoughtful questions.

2. Network with Purpose

Networking is crucial for career growth, but it’s not about meeting everyone in the company. Instead, focus on building intentional connections.

In my experience, this means reaching out to key individuals with a specific reason to connect. Senior managers and executives are more likely to meet with you if you have a clear purpose beyond a casual coffee chat.

For example, I discovered that our Product Development Manager was also an AI ambassador for the company. I reached out to share that I was working on an AI project and wanted his insights. This gave our conversation focus and allowed me to showcase my approach to projects and the value I brought to my team.

3. Apply Feedback

Being open to feedback is essential but applying that feedback is even more important. Everyone makes mistakes, so what will set you apart is showing that you leverage yours as opportunities for growth.

Jobs are collaborative and applying feedback can signal a deeper meaning to your team and manager. It shows that you care how your work impacts others and demonstrates your commitment to both the team and the company.

Final Thoughts

An internship can be more than a temporary job; it can serve as an extended interview for a career position. Moving beyond generic advice can be what sets you apart.

It’s not just about asking questions but asking the right ones: ones that demonstrate competence and awareness. It’s not about meeting everyone in the office but making meaningful connections while you’re there. And it’s not just about hearing feedback but showing you can learn and improve by applying it.

By focusing on these intentional strategies, you transform from just another intern into a valuable team member. That’s how you turn a few months of work into a career-launching opportunity.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

When I applied for an internship at the U.S. District Court, I mistakenly thought it was for the U.S. Attorney's Office. Although these are very different places of employment, they share the same website, and the job listing didn't specify the department.

Throughout the hiring process, I referenced attorneys and former interns at the U.S. Attorney's Office, hoping to show I was a credible, well-researched candidate. When I received a call offering me the position, I thanked them for the opportunity at the United States Attorney's Office. Yet, no one corrected my error. It wasn't until my first day, as I walked into the Gene Snyder Courthouse, that I realized I had applied for a completely different role.

I would not be working with court documents or assisting attorneys on cases. I would not be interpreting legal proceedings or analyzing crime scenes. In fact, I wouldn't even be working with attorneys. Instead, I would oversee everyone's favorite civic obligation: jury duty.

First Day in the Courthouse

My first day was challenging. I was immediately thrown into the bullpen: checking jurors in, issuing numbered badges, and briefing them on the selection process. I quickly learned that for many Louisvillians, jury duty is their first and only interaction with the court system.

Many citizens arrive at the courthouse feeling scared, frustrated, and confused. They're unsure why they were summoned and upset about missing work or caregiving responsibilities for what they perceive as "pointless work."

While I can understand why jury duty doesn't top anyone's list of favorite activities, it's still a powerful civic responsibility we accept when registering to vote. Coming to jury duty prepared and willing to sacrifice an afternoon (or sometimes many) is a beautiful responsibility we all share. It is part of what makes the United States such a remarkable place to live.

Observing the Judicial Process

After the initial selection, attorneys for both sides narrowed the sixty-juror pool to about fourteen individuals. As these participants checked in with me each day, I watched them begin to grasp the true weight of their role.

Over time, their respect for the court system deepened. They listened attentively, asked thoughtful questions, and took seriously the responsibility of determining the facts in a case. In federal court, the stakes were often high, and jurors knew their decisions could significantly impact someone's life.

Through their eyes, I also began to see the court system differently. I looked forward to coming to work and witnessing individuals with no formal legal training fall in love with the law. It made me fall deeper in love with it as well.

Embracing Civic Engagement

As a political science student, I started to view these jurors not just as individuals fulfilling a legal obligation but as temporary stewards of justice. They were active players in a system designed to be "by the people, for the people."

In many ways, my internship turned out to be far more valuable than I had initially imagined. Instead of working behind the scenes with attorneys, I was witnessing democracy in action. I watched ordinary citizens enter the courtroom, embrace their constitutional role, and legitimize a justice system reliant on public participation.

My accidental internship with the U.S. District Court offered me a perspective I might never have experienced otherwise. Rather than an insider's view of legal mechanics working alongside attorneys, I had a quiet observer's view of civic participation. This experience deepened my appreciation of jury duty and my understanding of justice as a collaborative effort between the court and citizens.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

You’ve done the work having submitted countless applications, gone through multiple rounds of interviews, and even played the dreaded waiting game as you wait to hear from your dream internship role in DC! As exciting as it may seem, you will need to hit the ground running to set yourself up for the best summer possible! 

Easily the greatest hurdle in having an awesome time working in DC is finding housing for the summer. Major cities are notorious for having expensive and costly housing, and DC is no different. The capital is extremely small, and everyone feels it when it comes to finding a place to stay. You may even be unsure of how to find a place to stay for just three months of the year. Because of the massive influx of student interns every summer many places offer flexible summer leases, allowing you to pay rent for just three months of the year.  
 
Another great option is to search online forums for colleges and universities in the area. Some universities offer reduced rate housing in the summer and many students who sign year-long leases sublease their apartments from June to August—months that they go home. I found great success in making anonymous postings on forums for each university of the area, and had an excess of options! Because of how small DC is, and the major commuter culture, you can also look to rent in Virginia and Maryland, as these properties are often cheaper. Just be sure to look up your commute on your GPS before you close a deal! 
 

Another major challenge for many students comes as they look to their wardrobes. DC is a hub of working professionals in both government and industry, so finding a business professional wardrobe for ten weeks can become quite expensive. I recommend assessing what you have first. You likely already have a pair of slacks and khakis; many students may have a nice sweater or two. Learn to be creative and mix and match! I leaned into a lot of solid colors, and a lot of neutrals. Think navy blue, black, white, and maybe a pop of one or two other colors. This really makes your closet stretch and saves you tons. For anything you may want to add to your wardrobe, consider hitting a thrift shop or even look at secondhand apps online. There are lots of good deals and great quality to be found. 

Looking beyond housing and wardrobe, one of the most important things you can do during your time in DC is network, network, network! DC is unique in the sheer number of working professionals, present and future leaders, and policy makers alike, all bringing unique experiences and perspectives. Hardly any city compares to this wealth and breadth of opportunity. You must shoot your shot! Keep an ear to the street for professional meet ups and networking events, especially ones aimed at young and early career professionals. Don’t shy away from introducing yourself to colleagues in your workplace and don’t be afraid to set up a quick coffee chat, which is a great way to hear from people who’ve been in your shoes and have seen it through! Many are more than willing to share great advice! And be sure to make ample use of DC during and after your time in LinkedIn—this is how you stay in touch! These connections can be useful in answering future career questions or even serving as a reference or recommendation if you do the job well! 

A summer interning in DC is an incredible opportunity for professional exposure and experience and the opportunity to see what life is like in such a fast-paced and unique city. By looking at (and securing) housing early, curating your professional, yet affordable wardrobe, and making a splash at networking events, you can set yourself up for a successful and memorable three months!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Embrace being unqualified! I know, it might sound odd but hear me out. College is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone. It’s the best time to take risks and pursue opportunities that may feel just a little out of reach. Many of us, as college students, often feel we’re not qualified for the roles or opportunities we want. I can confidently say that during my job searches, I have run into the recurring issue of not having enough experience. However, being comfortable with the experience I do have, no matter how minimal, has given me the confidence to go after opportunities I might not have otherwise considered.

The reality is, not applying for a position doesn’t give us any better chances, so why not take the risk? I want to share why I believe we should be more comfortable trying for things we don't initially feel qualified for.

For one, applying when you don’t expect too much can take a lot of the pressure off. The best interviews I’ve ever had were for positions I thought I had little chance of landing. Going in with low expectations allowed me to put everything I had on the table without worrying about making mistakes. Often, the pressure to succeed comes from thinking we should get the position, when that may not be the case. Letting go of that mindset can set you up for success.

You also never know what employers/interviewers are looking for. There may be qualities and experiences you have that could make you a more well-rounded or multifaceted candidate than you realize. Employers may value things you never even thought to mention, such as transferable skills or ability to learn quickly. Sometimes, we underestimate what we bring to the table just because we don't meet all the listed qualifications. It’s easy to assume that a great opportunity is out of reach because it seems too competitive or too good to be true. But sometimes, those opportunities might not be as competitive as you think.

One of my favorite experiences with embracing this mindset was when I reached out to a faculty member conducting research at my college. As a new freshman with no knowledge of an existing position, I never even thought I would get a response and only reached out on a whim. Still, I decided it was worth a shot. To my surprise, I was quickly offered an interview and added to the research team on the spot! A great example of you never know until you try.

At my college, most students have to apply for jobs they don’t feel qualified for as part of the Co-op program. So, this idea is very accepted on my campus. But I can tell you from what I’ve seen that if my friends hadn’t taken these risks they would’ve missed some of their best opportunities! My roommate recently applied for several Co-op positions none of which she felt qualified for because she had no experience in her field. But she went for it anyway thinking all she needed was to get one. She ended up getting offered every single job! Another friend of mine saw an opportunity to apply to be on the executive board of her organization despite only being a 2nd year (of a 5-year program). She ended up being offered next year’s president position! The moral of the story is that sometimes we let insecurities hold us back from what could be some of our most exciting and rewarding experiences. You may be more qualified than you think!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Washington, D.C., our nation's capital, is a vibrant and bustling city full of history, ambition, and opportunity. Recently, I had the privilege of interning in Congress and studying in this dynamic place. While it was a rewarding experience, juggling school, an internship, and the stress of election season wasn’t easy. Here’s how I found peace and balance in the midst of the chaos:

Connecting with Nature

Amid the fast pace of D.C., I found peace in the city’s pockets of nature. The National Mall, with its sweeping views of historic monuments, became one of my favorite nature escapes. Runs to the Lincoln Memorial at sunrise and sunset offered me a unique kind of serenity, while trips to nearby Maryland and Virginia introduced me to breathtaking hiking trails and beautiful landscapes. Immersing myself in these natural spaces reminded me to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the present. Whether it was by watching the Potomac River flow or strolling under trees filled with friendly squirrels, nature had a way of grounding me in the moment. It was one of my primary avenues of peace.

Finding Your Safe Space

In a city as fast paced as D.C., finding a space where you can unwind and recharge is essential. For me, that sanctuary was a cozy local coffee shop. It became my retreat - a place to journal, read, listen to music, and enjoy a warm cup of coffee and a sweet treat. Whether it’s a park, a library, or even your favorite room at home, having a safe space to decompress and reflect is key to maintaining balance in a high-stress environment.

Interpersonal Networking

Washington, D.C. is the city of networking, where every conversation has the potential to spark an opportunity. As intimidating as it may seem, I used networking as a tool to interact with others, make friends, and build meaningful relationships with individuals in similar situations as mine. Some of the most meaningful connections I developed weren’t forged in formal settings but through genuine conversations about hobbies, career journeys, and life goals. Networking doesn’t have to feel transactional. When approached authentically, it can be deeply fulfilling and transformative, even bringing a sense of joy and peace.

Embrace the Moment

Living, working, and studying in D.C. during an election cycle is a uniquely intense experience, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to witness history and be part of something bigger than yourself. I learned to embrace the city’s energy and cherish the moments of growth, whether that meant navigating my packed schedule, meeting new people, or simply taking in the view of the National Mall and the Capitol at night.

No matter how busy life gets, prioritizing your inner peace and well-being is essential. You can only thrive professionally and academically when you take the time to care for yourself. So, if you ever find yourself in D.C. or a similarly dynamic environment, remember to pause, savor the experience, and remind yourself why you’re there in the first place.

Washington, D.C. taught me so much about ambition, resilience, and self-care. It’s a city where dreams are sparked and connections are forged, but also the perfect place to find your balance and discover more about yourself. Beyond politics, I found peace, and that made all the difference!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Howdy! This summer I’ll be starting an internship with Cumming Group in Nashville, and I couldn’t be more excited (a little nervous too). As a junior at Texas A&M majoring in Construction Science, this is a huge step for me. It’s one thing to learn about construction consulting in the classroom, but getting hands-on experience in a booming city like Nashville? That’s next level.

Although it’s still a few months away, I’m already preparing as much as I can. Nashville’s construction scene is incredible right now, with so many exciting projects reshaping the city. I’ve been diving into industry trends and learning about what makes the city the way it is. From urban developments to sustainable construction practices, there’s so much happening here, and I can’t wait to see it all up close.

On top of that, I’ve been figuring out the basics, like where I’ll live and how I’ll get around. Nashville seems like such a fun place, so I’m excited to explore its culture and energy outside of work too. I’m hoping to strike that perfect balance of exploring the city and staying focused on my goals during the internship.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what this experience means for my future career. I’ve always been passionate about construction science, but this internship is an opportunity to really get some hands-on experience and see where I can make a real impact in the industry. I’m also considering grad school after I graduate from A&M, with Vanderbilt being high on my list of possibilities. Having this internship in Nashville feels like a great chance to explore not only my career interests but also what it might be like to live and study here.

I know the next few months will be challenging, but I’m ready to begin. Every project, every conversation, and every lesson are chances to grow, and I can’t wait for it all. I know this summer will be a time of growth and learning. Gig em!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Last semester, I had the incredible opportunity to complete a micro-internship with Pearson Education, and it was an experience that left a lasting impact on my professional and personal development.

During this time, I worked closely with a talented team that included Jacob Woodhouse, Zachary Suozzo, and Alex Dennis. Together, we tackled the challenge of optimizing error handling in a data pipeline using SQL and Python. This hands-on project not only sharpened my technical skills but also gave me valuable insight into solving real-world problems in a collaborative environment.

What truly made this internship special was the relationships I formed with my team. Dennis and Woodhouse guided me through the technical aspects of the project with patience and expertise, and through previous internships Steven Reynolds, Nick Hobart, and Suozzo shared invaluable advice about the industry and professional growth. Their mentorship extended beyond the tasks at hand, offering me lessons in teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving that I will carry forward in my career.

Mentorship has always been an essential part of my development as a student intern, and this experience reinforced just how crucial it is. Having a supportive network of professionals who believe in your potential can make all the difference. The guidance I received helped me bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry application, and it gave me the confidence to approach challenges with a growth mindset.

My time with Pearson has shown me the importance of building meaningful connections in the workplace. I’m deeply grateful for the mentorship, encouragement, and camaraderie I experienced during this internship. These relationships have inspired me to continue seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute, and I’m excited about the path ahead, knowing I have such an incredible foundation to build upon.

I’m continuing my micro-internship with my team again this semester, and I can’t wait to develop my relationships and skills further!

Go Coogs!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Professional football’s championship game is one of the most-watched events in sports. It involves complex planning and coordination behind the scenes. I have had the unique opportunity to work with the host committee where I’ve gained hands-on experience in managing event logistics, coordinating volunteers, and collaborating with community partners to bring this major event to life.

How I Got Involved

Landing an internship with the New Orleans Sports Foundation was a dream come true. As a senior hospitality and tourism management student, with a passion for sports management, I actively sought opportunities to gain industry experience. Through networking and persistence, I secured the position and stepped into a fast-paced environment where every day brought a new challenge.

My Role as an Intern

As an intern, my role has been diverse. I’ve assisted with event logistics, helped coordinate the volunteer program, and supported community outreach initiatives. Seeing fans enjoy events I have had a hand in planning is incredibly rewarding. The experience pushed me to improve my communication, critical thinking, organization, and problem-solving skills, all of which will serve me in future roles.

Lessons Learned

Interning with the host committee provided me insight into professional sports event management. I learned how to adapt quickly, work with diverse teams, and handle high pressure situations. These experiences gave me confidence in my ability to thrive in challenging environments and reaffirmed my passion for a career in sports hospitality management.

Advice for Students

For students looking to break into hospitality event management, I recommend seeking internships and volunteer roles to gain hands-on experience. Building relationships, staying open to feedback, and approaching every task with a learning mindset will set you apart in any industry.

Interning with the host committee for this major event has been an unforgettable experience that taught me lessons I’ll carry throughout my career. Whether you're a fan or a future industry professional, there’s no better way to understand the magic of this event than by being part of the team that makes it happen.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

As a double major student, it can be tricky to navigate what direction to pursue in internships. There are a variety of communication internships to pursue, from marketing to public relations journalism and everything in between. But when I added philosophy to my path, those opportunities changed. Instead of being able to apply to a variety of internships over the summer with a plethora of opportunities, there was almost nothing with a focus on philosophy. I was worried that I was going to graduate and somehow be left behind from my peers.

But after long discussions with my professors and mentors to figure out what I should be doing with my two degrees, I discovered that there were opportunities for me that weren’t internships, one being diversity summits in fields like philosophy across the humanities and sciences. These summits were geared towards students who came from underrepresented backgrounds, and graduate programs in the humanities, and offered things that you wouldn’t normally see in an internship.

Normally, internships offer money or credit for a specific amount of time and allow you to learn specific on-the-job skills that’ll help you in the job market, or possibly lead you to a job in that company. However, these summits pay a stipend and cover your travel to spend a week or two at a prestigious research university. Instead of working in the traditional sense, participants complete research in their field and get to meet with specific professors and researchers in the field to discover what it would be like to pursue philosophy after earning a bachelor’s degree.

It was during these programs that I discovered a community in my major that I didn’t know existed, and I also learned what was available to me postgrad. The most valuable lesson I learned at the summit was to look beyond what everyone else is doing. I was so caught up in the fact that my friends had got internships with publishing companies and large event venues that I was worried I was getting left behind. But when I looked beyond what was the normal career path, I discovered there was so much more available to me.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!