HUMANITIES Internship SPOTLIGHT | Emma Koa

Emma, a Communication major with an emphasis in Strategic Communication, has spent the Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 academic year as a Presidential Intern. This role has allowed her to explore higher education at the university level and advocate for students. "It seemed like an intimidating task, but I was eager to learn more and get involved more on campus," she said.

As she is interested in a future career in event planning, Emma has gained valuable experience attending presidential events, welcoming donors and guests, and learning about the logistics of making events accessible for everyone. She also collaborated with University Marketing & Communications, which helped her improve her writing, specifically referencing her work on "Humans of the U" articles.

“Being present at events and excited to get to know people helped me network in the internship and meet people in my field.”

Emma faced challenges deciding which projects to prioritize, but she found that the internship helped her better understand her interests and focus her energy. Her biggest recommendation to students looking for similar opportunities is to work with Career Coaches. "I got this internship because I saw it posted on Instagram but felt intimidated by the task," Emma said. "My Career Coach, Giovanna, guided me through a mock interview and connected me with a past intern. These things prepared me for success and helped me prepare for an interview." Emma believes that while resume experience is important, confidence is just as key when applying for competitive roles.