Michelle Rodriguez Arana

Major(s):  Spanish and Communication

Internship:  Uplift Aerospace

Role: Lead Starborn Academy Facilitator

Through my internship as a Lead Starborn Academy Facilitator, I gained hands-on experience that complements my classroom learning in ways I could not have replicated elsewhere. I work directly with middle school students in the Salt Lake City School District, many of whom haven’t received much exposure to STEM careers. I have seen firsthand how virtual reality (VR) experiences transform curiosity into confidence. I guide students through virtual space missions, rover operations, and zero-gravity simulations. I have observed how students’ self-perception shifts in real time, from hesitation to excitement.

I found this opportunity through my career coach, who sent me the application as he thought I would enjoy it. And truly, I enjoyed my experience with Uplift Aerospace. It has allowed me to develop highly specialized skills I would not have acquired in a traditional classroom. I received training in VR technology, gained practical knowledge in space concepts, and even had the opportunity to meet real-life astronauts. Beyond technical knowledge, I have developed leadership skills that cannot be fully taught through lectures. As a facilitator, I am responsible for delivering content and for creating a welcoming environment where students feel capable. One of the most fulfilling parts of the role is encouraging students who may not initially see themselves reflected in STEM fields to explore. I am grateful for everything I have learned through this internship and the skills I have yet to acquire.

Indie Bulkley

Major(s):  Gender Studies and Psychology

Internship: Wasatch Property Management

Role: Social Media, Communications, and Event Planning Intern

I was drawn to this internship because it combines social media, communication, and event planning, which are all areas I’m really interested in. I’m especially interested in how people interact, what draws communities together, and how messaging can influence behavior. This role felt like a perfect way to apply those interests in a real-world setting while also gaining experience in marketing and business. It also aligns with my long-term goal of going into a career that blends people, strategy, and creativity.

Through this internship, I’ve developed strong communication skills, especially in professional and digital settings. Managing social media has taught me to be intentional with messaging and how to understand different audiences. I’ve also gained experience in teamwork and adaptability, since event planning often requires quick problem-solving and coordination between multiple people. Overall, I’ve become more confident in sharing ideas and contributing to group projects.

I have contributed by helping create and manage social media content that promotes events and engages the local community. I also assist in planning and organizing events at the mall, which includes brainstorming ideas, supporting logistics, and helping execute events on-site. My role has helped bring more visibility to the mall’s activities and create a more welcoming and engaging environment for visitors.

A challenge I have encountered is navigating negative or inappropriate comments on social media posts. This has required me to think carefully about how to respond in a way that reflects the organization’s values while maintaining professionalism. I have approached this by focusing on respectful communication and emphasizing inclusivity, which has helped me handle difficult situations more confidently and thoughtfully.

I would honestly tell other students looking for internships to just go for it, even if it feels a little intimidating at first. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is where you start to grow, and this internship showed me firsthand. Being in a hands-on environment helped me figure out what I’m interested in while also building real skills that you can’t get from sitting in a classroom. I’d also say don’t hold back; share your ideas, ask questions, and really try to be involved, because those are the moments where you learn the most and get the most out of the experience.

Lucy Lefgren

Major(s): International Studies and Political Science

Internship:  National Coalition of Independent Scholars

Role: Teaching/Research Assistant

One of my main goals is to reach advanced fluency in Arabic by the time I graduate. This internship stood out to me because it allowed me to actively use my Arabic while also gaining experience in research, teaching, and publishing. It allowed me to help community members learn Arabic while also building skills that will be directly relevant to my future academic and professional goals, especially if I continue working with Arabic in research after graduation.

Through this internship, I developed stronger leadership skills by helping teach and guide students in class. I also improved my organization and analytical skills through using Google Suite and helping develop structured course materials and curriculum. In addition, I strengthened my research skills and continued building my Arabic language abilities. These are all skills I plan to continue developing throughout the rest of my internship.

I worked closely with my advisor to develop and organize course materials. To stay aligned, we had weekly phone calls and regularly met throughout the week to discuss research, lesson planning, and areas for improvement. This consistent communication helped ensure we were on the same page and allowed me to contribute more effectively to both teaching and research tasks.

My students come from a wide range of backgrounds and levels of experience with Arabic. Working with them required me to adapt how I explain concepts and adjust to different learning styles. This experience helped me become more flexible and aware of how to communicate effectively with different types of people. It also exposed me to perspectives and experiences I would not have encountered otherwise.

I would strongly encourage students, especially those studying languages, to find ways to use their skills outside of the classroom as early as possible. A lot of language learning happens through real-world applications, not just coursework. Gaining experience in teaching or research, even at a beginner level, can make a big difference and will make you a stronger candidate for future jobs, scholarships, and graduate programs.

Nicole Salem

Major(s):World Languages and Cultures (Arabic Emphasis) and Middle East Studies

Internship:  CHOICE Humanitarian

Role: Expeditions Intern

I was drawn to this internship because I wanted to explore some humanitarian-work-based opportunities that could be a possible career path for me in the future. While they have a focus on a different area than my area of study, I have truly learned so much. A peer who has a similar area of study as mine recommended I look into Choice. I love their mission and feel grateful to be a part of the change that they are making in the world. Some situations I have faced have been a bit challenging but their guidance has helped me learn how to navigate those situations. I am sure that those skills are ones I will carry with me into any future career. I gained many skills in my time at Choice, including proficiency in Excel, Google Ads, outreach, marketing, gala/ fundraiser planning, and much more.

I have built many relationships and had the opportunity to collaborate with many different departments at Choice. I have made connections within and outside of the office. Meeting people who work at Choice, or people from companies that work with Choice, has been a great opportunity. I have had the chance to ask so many questions about their careers, what they have studied, and hear all their great advice. I am so grateful to have been able to spend two semesters with Choice Humanitarian and really hope that I am lucky enough to cross paths with them again or work with them in the future. 

Elijah McCann

Major(s):  English and Communication

Internship: Park City Municipal

Role: Special Events Intern

When I decided I wanted to work in events for a future career, I didn't know what steps it would take to make it a possibility. I decided to start looking for internships, and I was excited to see one open for the special events department of Park City.

This internship has been amazing. I gained experience doing both the administrative and hands-on aspects of event planning. It was exciting to be there day-to-day for huge events like the Fourth of July Parade and Miner's Day. I helped to organize and put on the Sundance Film Festival, which was an incredible opportunity. Being able to see everything that happens behind the scenes to make the festival happen was great, and I learned so much about what it takes to put on an event on such a grand scale. I was able to work with the Sundance Institute, the Park City police department, the Streets Department, and several other organizations that all came together to make sure everything ran smoothly for the last Sundance in Park City. This has been such an incredible experience, and I know the things I have learned this year will help me greatly for the rest of my career.