Students blog

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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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After completing my third summer internship, I can openly say that my professional journey has developed tremendously. Having done both in-person and remote internships, you can still shine and pave the way for your future career success with the right action plan. Here are some helpful tips that transformed my professional goals into reality.

Setting Clear Goals

First things first, before you even start your internship, take some time to set clear, achievable goals. What skills do you want to develop? What projects do you hope to contribute to? By defining these objectives from the outset, you'll have a roadmap to guide your efforts and measure your progress along the way. Using SMART goals will benefit you make strategic and defined goals. Also, run these goals by your manager or other interns, it will not only keep you accountable but give you a space to receive feedback on your progress.

Building Strong Relationships

Make the effort to establish a solid rapport with your fellow employees. Take the initiative to get to know the people on your team, whether it is through coffee dates or a quick shadowing of their role. Ask questions, get comments, and show that you are eager to learn new things. Also take the time to connect with your fellow interns, they can also be a useful resource to network with. Be intentional and genuine with your interactions, with that foster and develop that connection that could be helpful in the near future.

Managing Time Effectively

Learn to prioritize tasks, manage your workload efficiently, and meet deadlines consistently. Using tools like calendars, planners, task management apps, and to-do lists can be invaluable in helping you stay organized and focused. Also manage out some time for mental breaks, don’t overload yourself and utilize some minutes for downtime.

Making a Lasting Impression

Finally, don't settle for just completing tasks. Strive to exceed expectations in everything you do. Show initiative, demonstrate your problem-solving skills, and consistently deliver high-quality work. Remember, every interaction is an opportunity to leave a positive impression that could lead to future career opportunities. That can look like asking for more work if time permits or thinking of initiatives or ideas to make your final project stand out.

Your internship is not just a temporary job—it's a pivotal opportunity to learn, grow, and build the foundation for your future career success. You're not only maximizing your internship experience but also setting yourself up for future professional achievements. Make this internship a transformative experience that propels you towards your professional dreams!

Cheers to a successful internship journey ahead!

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! 

During the Spring 2024 semester, I had the opportunity to work as Pearson Higher Education Mathematics Micro-intern. As a mathematics major, I was intrigued by the chance to get a behind the scenes look at the product development, marketing strategies, and data analysis in an area that directly affects me as a student. Over the course of four months, I worked with Siby Sabu, a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Pearson, to learn about the ins and outs of the world of marketing and sales! I entered this micro-internship with very little knowledge. I had never taken any business-related course in college and had only had exposure to marketing through the Pearson Campus Ambassador program. Nonetheless, I was eager for this learning experience, prepared myself to become a sponge, and was excited to get started and expand my repertoire!

Gaining Product Insight and Compiling Feedback

One of the highlights of my micro-internship was getting to learn more about Pearson’s MyLab, textbook integration, and how the books are updated or improved. This opportunity allowed me to familiarize myself with key features and functionalities, making me feel more prepared for future projects that would inevitably come my way as a Pearson Campus Ambassador.

Part of this process also involved listening to feedback from customers. I had the chance to sit in on some virtual calls as well as transcribe recordings aimed at reviewing a competitor’s software and comparing it to Pearson’s MyLab. As someone who has used MyLab for almost their entire college experience, it was interesting for me to hear a professor's point of view of the onboarding process, how to set up class portals and assignments, and how to organize a gradebook. This helped me to grasp the importance of customer-centricity in product development and marketing efforts.

Research, Research, and More Research!

One of the most surprising aspects of my micro-internship experience was how important research was. I always assumed marketing was internal, a boomerang of collaborative ideas that flowed through an organization rather than exploring outside sources, but I realized that there was also much to learn from competitors.

I also researched topics related to marketing, specifically, different types of emails and loyalty incentives as well as sales and revenue enablement. There was so much information available to me! I was able to broaden my knowledge of effective communication techniques and learn how to craft engaging content to gain more “clicks” through concepts such as journey emails and dynamic emails. In connection to email avenues, I compiled ideas for loyalty incentives aimed at fostering customer engagement and loyalty. My research on sales collateral equipped me with a deeper understanding of the materials needed to support sales efforts. From brochures to product training workshops to demos and focus groups, I explored various collateral formats, their role in driving sales effectiveness, and possible implementations for Pearson. I even had the chance to interview my own sales representative as a Pearson Campus Ambassador to gain insight on her experience, get feedback on my research, and gauge interest. This firsthand perspective gave me a clearer perspective of the opportunities and challenges within the sales environment.

Creativity is Key

Creativity was a major aspect of my micro-internship which I thoroughly enjoyed since I do not have many creative outlets in my major. I was tasked with coming up with ideas for on-campus contests for college students and professors. This was an extra fun project as I got to survey my peers to gauge interest and gather feedback from current college students, ensuring that the contests would resonate with the target audience.

As my micro-internship journey ends, I find myself reflecting on the valuable experiences and lessons learned throughout the process. Each component of the micro-internship contributed to my growth and development and opened my eyes to the wide world of marketing! Special thanks to Siby for all his mentorship, and I look forward to applying what I learned to my position as a Pearson Campus Ambassador and in all of my future endeavors!

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! 

This past summer I worked as an intern in New York City, and it was a whirlwind of fun and chaos all at once. Moving to a big and hustling city like this was extremely exciting but was also very unsettling to be in a new place without any familiarity. I was fortunate enough to have a lot of friends from home and from college also living in NYC for the summer, so I was able to explore, try different restaurants, and walk around new areas as much as have time outside of work. For anyone that is moving to a new city for the summer or even for full-time, here are three tips to help you adjust to an exciting and fast lifestyle.

Get to know your coworkers.

While this might go unsaid, it is really important to make an effort at work both tangibly and socially. You may not think that your fellow interns or even supervisors would ever be the same people you see on the weekends – but you would be surprised. It is always nice to have a familiar face in the office, and around a big city. One of the most routine events on a Thursday afternoon is office happy hour, and you want to be a part of it! Becoming close with your coworkers can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying your time in and out of the office, especially if you do not know many people.

Sign up for classes.

I am sure everyone has some kind of hobby or activity they have wanted to pick up and the amazing thing about cities, is that they have pretty much any kind of class you can think of. Since being here this summer, I have gone to cycling, boxing, Pilates, and barre classes around NYC. While exercise is undoubtedly great for your health and lifestyle, attending classes is a great way to make new friends or even bond with a friend you are looking to spend more time with. If you happen to hate workout classes, look for group-style classes in cooking, pottery, yoga, minigolf and even jewelry-making. Even if you only try one a month, you never know what you might learn to love or who you might meet!

Walk around, especially without a destination.

I know this sounds cliché, but the best adventures around a city usually come as a surprise. The great thing about a place like New York City, is it is walkable and full of different stores, restaurants, and events in every nook and cranny. When I had a free day or a free afternoon, I always tried to grab a friend and go for a walk around a new area of the city. We could catch up and do some sightseeing. Often, this ended up with us walking into small and unique thrift stores or trying a new restaurant with the most delicious sounding appetizers. It turned out to be a great way to get familiar with a new place, spend quality time with my friends, and discover new types of foods and experiences.

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! 

Networking is an essential skill that can significantly impact your college experience and future career. As a college student, developing a strong network can open doors to internships, job opportunities, mentorships, and valuable advice. Here’s how you can effectively network during your college years.

1. Start with Your Peers

Your classmates are your first network. They can offer support, study partners and eventually professional connections. Engage actively in group projects and join study groups. Building strong relationships with your peers can create a supportive community that lasts beyond graduation.

2. Get Involved on Campus

Joining clubs, organizations, and societies is a great way to meet like-minded individuals and expand your network. Whether it’s a professional society related to your major, a cultural club, or a hobby group, these organizations provide opportunities to develop leadership skills and meet people with diverse interests.

3. Attend Networking Events

Most colleges host career fairs, guest lectures, and networking events. Attend these events regularly to meet professionals from your field of interest. Prepare by researching the attendees and having questions ready. Remember to bring a resume and practice your elevator pitch to make a strong impression.

4. Utilize Social Media

Platforms like LinkedIn are invaluable for building a professional network. Create a compelling profile, connect with classmates, professors, and industry professionals, and join groups related to your career interests. Share relevant content and engage with others’ posts to increase your visibility.

5. Build Relationships with Professors

Your professors are more than just educators; they are valuable connections to the industry. Attend office hours, participate in class discussions, and seek advice on your academic and career goals. A strong relationship with a professor can lead to research opportunities, recommendations, and introductions to industry professionals.

6. Seek Out Alumni

Alumni can offer insights and connections that are incredibly beneficial. Many colleges have alumni networks or events. Reach out to alumni in your field, ask for informational interviews, and attend alumni gatherings to expand your network.

7. Volunteer and Intern

Volunteering and internships provide hands-on experience and networking opportunities. They allow you to meet professionals in your field and demonstrate your skills and work ethic. These experiences can lead to job offers and strong professional references.

8. Follow Up

After meeting someone new, always follow up with a thank-you email or message. Express your appreciation for their time and mention something specific you discussed to reinforce the connection. Regular follow-ups help maintain and strengthen relationships over time.

Networking as a college student requires initiative and persistence, but the rewards are immense. By actively building and nurturing your network, you pave the way for a successful career filled with opportunities and support. Start early, be genuine, and stay engaged, and you’ll find that networking becomes a natural and beneficial part of your college journey.

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!