Internships are an important way students gain experience for their future careers. This summer, Meredith students completed internships at a variety of organizations, including the Wake County Public Defender’s Office, Marbles Kids Museum, Wildlife Law Enforcement, and the N.C. Department of Transportation. Students shared what they learned during these career-focused experiences.

Nia Simpson, ’24, spent her summer interning with the Investigative Unit at the Wake County Public Defender’s Office. In that role, she served subpoenas, sat in on court cases, assisted in completing investigations, and provided assistance with the on-site Spanish translator.

A double major in sociology and criminology, Simpson said her internship experience re-ignited her interest in law and she’s now considering law school after graduating from Meredith.

“I have used the confidence that Meredith has instilled in me to face any challenges head-on, no matter how daunting,” Simpson said. “We all have moments of self-doubt and thinking we aren’t capable and prepared to tackle what is given to us, but instead of caving into that self-doubt, I remind myself that I am worthy and prepared to be in this space.” 

Sarah Marshall, ’24, served as the Development Intern at Marbles Kids Museum, where she helped plan the 2023 Imagination Ball and supported fundraising operations. Her responsibilities included donor stewardship, data entry, donor research, and contacting companies and potential donors for silent auction donations.

Sarah Marshall, ’24, Marbles Kids Museum

Marshall is a business administration major. She said participating in discussion-based and collaborative group projects, holding leadership roles on campus, and joining the golf team have all given her confidence and prepared her to succeed in her internship. 

“After taking Intro to Event Planning at Meredith, I decided to pursue a career in the event planning industry. My internship gave me event planning, marketing, and business experience,” Marshall said. “I love that working at Marbles Kids Museum allowed me to make a meaningful impact on children’s lives while gaining real-world experience in fundraising and donor relations.”

Criminology major Abbie Byrd, ’24, interned with Wildlife Law Enforcement, during which she completed boating accident reports, spent a night at training camp, and went for a ride with a Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer.

Byrd said the experience broadened her perspective and helped her see additional career opportunities within the field. “My favorite part about my internship was getting to see the injuries and crimes committed on the boating reports – it was really interesting. And Meredith prepared me to succeed with high-level communication skills and a strong work ethic.”

Brionna Stewart, ’24, who is earning a B.S. in biology and a business administration minor, spent the summer as an intern with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) Environmental Analysis Unit.

Stewart’s wide-ranging experience, including fieldwork, data collection, and observing bridge inspections, helped her explore the variety of careers available for biology majors.

“This internship gave me the opportunity to expand my career choices in the field of biology. Working at DOT also prompted me to take a GIS course offered at Meredith that looks at data collection based on location that I otherwise would not have thought about,” said Stewart. “Using skills I have learned at Meredith College and my strengths, I was able to pick up on assignments quickly and have some background knowledge on endangered species, which helped me be successful.”