A Poole Summer: How 5 Students Embraced ‘Think and Do’

From digital marketing to real estate and sports, five Poole College of Management students had an exceptional summer participating in internships that gave them valuable hands-on experience. 

Across a wide variety of industries, they took solutions beyond the classroom and put ‘Think and Do’ into action. 

“Students at Poole have done some amazing work for companies all across North Carolina and the U.S., helping them solve problems and meet challenges head-on,” says Brian Newton, director of the Poole College Career Center for undergraduate programs.

“One of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of our jobs as career coaches is talking with students about their summer internships and work experiences when they return to classes each fall,” he adds. “Since the end of the pandemic, we have definitely seen an uptick in hiring for interns. More companies are realizing that having student interns and internship programs are some of the best strategies to hire talented college graduates.”

Our students gained exposure to today’s job market, but they also discovered something more — they each picked up valuable skills to help them step into any career path, confident and real-world ready.  

Read on to learn about what they’ve accomplished.

Kelly Chiv

Class: Senior majoring in business administration with a concentration in marketing 
Company: IBM.com 
Title: Digital Marketing Analytics Intern

How did this internship experience helped you as a professional?

• “IBM has helped me grow professionally. I entered a fast-paced working environment and learned how to understand the organization and my role within it. My time management skills were further challenged, because I needed to conduct data analysis for IBM.com and complete my final project on time. I also learned the importance of timely communication. Not being able to communicate with stakeholders (e.g., project managers and executives) will adversely impact the outcome of your deliverables.”

Tell us something fun or cool you have done through your internship.

• “I went on a beach trip to Carolina Beach with fellow RTP-based IBM interns in procurement, supply chain, marketing and communications, and backend development.”

What advice do you have for other students pursuing an internship?

• “Network, set up coffee chats with professionals or previous/current interns at a company you’re interested in, and look into pipeline programs to help get your foot in the door. I completed the IBM Accelerate program (Consulting Track, Summer 2022), which ultimately helped me have a stronger desire to work at IBM. I highly recommend that rising juniors apply to the Accelerate program, although students of any year are welcome to do so. Additionally, go for any opportunities that come your way! While it might not be the first opportunity at your dream company, it could be the stepping stone for you to ultimately get there.”

Landon Hong

Class: Junior majoring in business administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship
Company: ESPN
Title: Social Media Intern

How did this internship experience helped you as a professional?

• “My internship at ESPN was an amazing experience. It was an honor to represent Poole College and the Pack at the No. 1 sports company in the world. Every day felt like a dream because I got to research and post about my passion, which is sports. It didn’t even feel like work!”

Tell us something fun or cool you have done through your internship.

• “I had the liberty to create my own original posts and cover major breaking news across our 20+ ESPN accounts on Instagram and TikTok. I sharpened so many skills like Photoshop, social media strategies, and more. 

What advice do you have for other students pursuing an internship?

• “Keep pushing and being resilient. Network with as many people as possible, whether it’s with recruiters at a job fair, your friend’s dad, or a stranger you meet on a subway. You never know where an opportunity will come from. Also, build up your resume and be very active on LinkedIn. Learn how to talk to adults, sell yourself in interviews, and be presentable. Poole College has so many resources you can take advantage of and that definitely helped me!

Katherine Hunt

Class: Senior majoring in business administration with a concentration in supply chain management
Company: Madewell, NYC
Title: Allocation intern

How did this internship experience helped you as a professional?

• “This experience has been extremely beneficial for my entrance into the professional world. I am being trained as if I was a real employee entering my field. I feel very responsible and I know the work I do is actually being used by other members of my team, and across functions. I am learning so much about how a large company functions day to day.

Tell us something fun or cool you have done through your internship.

• “We were asked to develop or extend a clothing line that Madewell currently sells and create a full business plan. At the end of the internship, we will present it to company executives. The group of interns I’m working with are all from different departments, including design, planning, and merchandising, so it’s interesting to have all these varying perspectives.” 

What advice do you have for other students pursuing an internship?

• “Apply for whatever possibly interests you. I applied to my internship just because I knew it dealt with supply chain. I wasn’t initially interested in working in fashion at all. As soon as my internship began, I realized I actually love working in this industry. I’ve gotten incredible insight into many different career paths I could take, and I feel like I could also see myself continuing a career in allocation and distribution.”

Taya Mishin

Class: Sophomore majoring in business administration
Internship: TradeMark Properties (Raleigh, N.C.)
Title: Executive Administrative Assistant 

How did this internship experience helped you as a professional?

• “Shadowing is the absolute best way to learn. I was lucky to shadow some of the most successful people in Raleigh and see how various aspects of the market function. There are many moving parts, so it was very fascinating to stand on the property management side but learn how other vendors interact with us to take care of a property. This experience allowed me to dip my feet in many different industries. Just by asking questions, I have learned valuable skills and gained great knowledge. I also learned just how crucial it is to have a leadership team and company mission that reflect constant adaptation and growth in our ever-changing economy.”

Tell us something fun or cool you’ve done through your internship.

• “I have really enjoyed spending time with property management visiting our properties, especially the Hub RTP. This is Research Triangle Park’s newly developing “vibrant downtown”! I have also loved working with President Amy Carroll, as well as creating comparables for our brokers to help them price new properties hitting the market.”

What advice do you have for other students pursuing an internship?

• “I suggest students find an opportunity that will allow them to test the most amount of areas and skills. Think hard on who you already know, because your network is most likely bigger than you think and connections can go a long way in helping you find opportunities! Also, I have learned that your coworkers do not expect much from interns. Don’t be afraid to mess up or ask questions, because it is the speed of catching on and adding fresh ideas that your mentors will value and applaud the most!”

Siyona Shah

Class: Senior majoring in business administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship
Internship: Office of Congressman Wiley Nickel (NC-13)
Title: Congressional Intern 

How did this internship experience helped you as a professional?

• “I have learned a lot about constituent casework and the importance of advocating. After graduation in May, I am planning to attend law school in the fall. And these internships have definitely confirmed my passion for law.”

Tell us something fun or cool you’ve done through your internship.

• “I got to staff the Congressman for an event at Garner Magnet High School, and I met Governor Roy Cooper!”

What advice do you have for other students pursuing an internship? 

• “Make connections and be patient. Work hard and remember that everything happens for a reason.”