There’s no substitute for hands-on experience, whether the learning lab is connected to a class or outside of it in the working world. ‘Berg students are encouraged to complete internships as a way to prepare them for their careers, further develop their skills and begin to network for their futures. This week, we feature five students who completed internships that will help them take the next step after graduation.
Growing up reading Girls’ Life, junior Mallory Paul made the most of her opportunity interning with the magazine this summer.
When Lauren Berger, founder and CEO of Intern Queen Inc., came to campus as a HYPE Career Ready® Program in February 2017, Mallory had no idea the effect that day would eventually have on her and her future career.
Berger’s advice to put your name out there and network, regardless of who you are, stuck with Mallory. She exchanged information with Berger and the two stayed in contact after her visit. Mallory even got invited to an “Intern Queen Party,” which hosts panelists from top companies in selected cities.
“Without HYPE, I wouldn’t have had opportunities like that,” Mallory said. She attended the “party” in Washington, D.C., not knowing what to expect.
During one of the discussion panels, she won a package from Girls’ Life, which also included an internship interview. “I used to read it growing up so I was really excited,” she said. Mallory returned to Tiffin before her phone interview a week later.
Having never done a phone interview before, she was understandably nervous. Some guided advice from Sarah Clapper, Miss Ohio 2017 helped to calm her nerves.
“We sat down together and actually did a mock interview,” she said. Sarah was on campus the same day for a discussion with Professor Linda Detwiler’s communication class. Miss Ohio’s best advice? “Smile and convey your excitement when you’re on the phone.” It worked well as Mallory was offered the internship in Baltimore.
During her summer working with Girls’ Life, Mallory had articles published on the website and a book review in the physical magazine for October/November 2018. She also worked with magazine’s fashion department, picking out outfits for models and even having an opportunity to be in photoshoots.
“I explained to them one day that I’d love to work with the fashion department if there were any opportunities available.” The next day she did. “I didn’t say ‘no’ to any opportunities while I was there.”
As a double major, communication and integrated media, she now sees writing as a possible career path after her time at Girls’ Life.
Being able to see her work and photos in the same magazine she read growing up has been a feeling she won’t soon forget. “It’s absolutely amazing. It makes me so happy that I accomplished something that’s now out there for everyone to see.”