Internships have been essential In helping me figure out what I can-- and can't-- see myself doing long-term. They've taught me so much about who I am, both personally and professionally. I truly believe Internships are the key to discovering your passions and potential before entering the professional world after graduating college.
I spent last summer in New York City, interning at two companies. The first being Broadway Plus, a VIP experiences company, who's goal is to enhance the Broadway experience by providing back stage tours, meet-and-greets, corporate entertainment, and more. The second being National Artists Management Company, a producing office responsible for many successful Broadway productions including Waitress, Chicago, and more. The work I did at both companies gave me exposure into the inner-workings of Broadway. I learned what a budget looks like, how marketing campaigns work, how to plan industry events, and more.
The most valuable part of my experience this summer was gaining experience using my soft skills that can translate into any job I hold after graduation. Gaining an understanding of communication's role in the industry through first hand experience will guide me through my choices, future job, and more. There were a few key takeaways that helped contribute to the aforementioned greater lesson:
Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your opinions.
Even as an intern—yes, at the bottom of the company food chain—speaking up (when appropriate) shows that you’re knowledgeable and engaged. Your bosses and mentors want to see that you can contribute insights because when you land a full-time role, your voice will matter even more.
Be assertive, and introduce yourself to everyone in the room.
When you enter a new space, take the initiative to say hello and shake hands. You never know when a connection could lead to an opportunity down the road. Building relationships starts with that first introduction.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions as they come up.
Asking questions shows that you’re thinking critically and going beyond surface-level explanations. When you do, it signals to your boss that you’re engaged, listening, and invested in producing your best work.
Use networking as a chance to learn and seek advice.
Networking isn’t just about making connections—it’s an opportunity to learn from others’ experiences. A simple question like, “What are your day-to-day responsibilities in the office?” can lead to valuable insights about the industry and its inner workings.
As you pursue internships in college, focus on opportunities that will deepen your understanding of the industry. I initially thought my education was preparing me for the nonprofit theatre world, so I decided to explore internships in commercial theatre. Through those experiences, I discovered that I naturally gravitate toward the commercial structure—it just made more sense to me. That summer ended up being the best of my life. Treat every opportunity as a chance to keep growing because, at the end of the day, we’re always learning.
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