By Liana Hardy, 2018 Arlington Chamber of Commerce PRIME Intern
I started my very first internship in July with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. I applied through the Professional Related Intern/Mentorship Experience (PRIME) Program, which is a summer internship program run by Arlington Public Schools that matches rising high school juniors and seniors with an internship in their career field of interest. Though starting your first internship is always a little daunting, my experience was made much more comfortable by the welcoming work environment and the friendly Chamber staff, who are always willing to help me and answer my questions.
I started my very first internship in July with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. I applied through the Professional Related Intern/Mentorship Experience (PRIME) Program, which is a summer internship program run by Arlington Public Schools that matches rising high school juniors and seniors with an internship in their career field of interest. Though starting your first internship is always a little daunting, my experience was made much more comfortable by the welcoming work environment and the friendly Chamber staff, who are always willing to help me and answer my questions.
I have learned a lot about business, technology, public relations, and media in the short time I have been working here. I have worked with several different websites and software and have had the opportunity to help promote several of the Chamber’s events. I have been able to draft social media posts, create e-blasts, update the Chamber’s website, design graphics, research possible Chamber projects, and brainstorm advertising methods for promoting Chamber events.
The Chamber staff is genuinely interested in my marketing ideas and has even invited me to meetings so that I could share my opinion. I am very grateful to have an internship where I could truly get involved with the organization and take on new opportunities.
Though I am mostly interested in career fields such as journalism and political science, as opposed to business or marketing, working with the Chamber has definitely prepared me for my future career path. Since journalists today are required to be technologically efficient and adaptable, my experience working with several different types of computer software and applications, along with the technological knowledge I have gained while working at the Chamber, will allow me to be more equipped for a job in digital media. In addition, working in an office such as the Chamber has prepared me for professional work in general. I have learned as much about the adult working world as I have about the local Arlington business community.
Overall, working with the Chamber this summer has benefited me in so many ways and provided me with the knowledge and experiences I will need for my future career. I am very glad that I have been able to work with the Chamber as an intern, and I will be sure to make my final days at the Chamber count.
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