Internships help students build confidence in their abilities

Strong leadership plays a crucial role in shaping one's career, even during an internship. Hannah, Head of Public Relations for Rentokil Terminix, understands the power of that influence. During the summer of 2024, she had the opportunity to welcome an intern to her team.

Drawing from her experience and understanding the importance of internships, we asked her to share her perspective and advice with students considering applying for our Summer Internship Program.

Internships provide students with invaluable hands-on experience that helps bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. They allow students to gain practical skills, build professional networks, and understand industry dynamics, which all contribute to their personal and professional development. Additionally, internships help students build confidence in their abilities and provide them with the opportunity to discover what areas of a field truly resonate with them—or even what they don’t enjoy, which is equally valuable in shaping their career path.

The most rewarding part was seeing how quickly our intern adapted to the role and started contributing meaningfully from the outset. Watching someone come into the role with enthusiasm, eager to learn, and motivated to generate valuable content was incredibly refreshing. It also allowed me to grow as a mentor, sharing insights and guiding their development while benefiting from their fresh perspectives and new ideas. The experience reinforced how valuable internships are for both the mentor and the mentee.

My advice is to approach your internship with an open mind and a willingness to dive into every opportunity that comes your way. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance—everyone understands you’re here to learn. Take the time to absorb as much as you can, be proactive, and look for ways to contribute meaningfully. This is your time to explore different aspects of the field, so don’t shy away from tasks outside your comfort zone. And remember, even if something doesn’t go as planned, it’s all part of the learning experience.