Hear from Past Interns

Hear from our Spring 2025 Interns about their experience at WTCSav.

Q1: How has the WTCSav Internship Program prepared you for entering the job market?

Sienna: This internship has truly prepared me for the job market by helping me build both skills and confidence for my future career. Coming from a background in academic research, it was exciting to see how I could apply those skills to market research and continue growing as a researcher. I also had the opportunity to work in a professional business office environment alongside individuals from a variety of backgrounds and departments. It taught me how to communicate effectively, adapt to different working styles and collaborate across diverse teams!

Ashanti: This internship has significantly boosted my confidence and sharpened my professional skills. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how to navigate the workplace and build meaningful connections with professionals. This experience has equipped me with the tools and insights needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

Hadley: I have a better preparedness and understanding of the daily functions of a professional office, how to present myself and the types of tasks and deadlines that are expected of an entry-level position. The office environment at WTCSav is very friendly and welcoming, so I feel it has been a perfect way to be exposed to the professional environment.

Q2: What advice do you have for current students looking to get an internship?

Sienna: I found this internship through Handshake, so I recommend keeping your professional profiles—like LinkedIn and Handshake—updated so employers can easily find you and view your experience. Another helpful tip is to take advantage of your university’s professional development center for resume support. And make sure to tailor each cover letter to the specific internship or job you’re applying for!

Ashanti: Don’t be afraid to apply, even if you feel like you’re not the perfect fit or don’t know everything yet. Internships are meant to be a learning experience, not a place where you have to know it all from the start. Take the leap and remember that asking questions and seeking help is part of the process. Every internship is an opportunity to grow and build new skills, no matter where you’re starting from.

Hadley: Be open-minded and willing to learn. An internship is an excellent stepping stone and an opportunity to have a positive attitude and show a desire to take direction. Accept assignments knowing you may fail, because this type of opportunity is all about learning by trial and error in a space that is set up for you to do so.

Q3: What was the most rewarding part of your internship? What have you learned?

Sienna: The most rewarding part of my internship was working with the delegation from Wexford and Limerick. As a Savannah native with ties to the city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, it was a special, full-circle moment to support the delegation from a business perspective. I also had so much fun learning from my fellow interns in the marketing and film departments! Getting to jump in on some of their projects gave me a deeper understanding of their work and made the experience even more meaningful.

Ashanti: The most rewarding part was having the opportunity to attend events and meetings that I otherwise wouldn’t have had access to. These experiences allowed me to network with professionals from a wide range of industries and I was able to see into how various sectors and organizations work together to create positive change.

Hadley: The most rewarding part of my internship is the relationships I have formed with the staff of the Film Commission, as well as other departments at the World Trade Center. I have made lifelong connections and I am so grateful for the opportunity to meet these talented and experienced people. On the technical side, I have become more familiar with programs such as Outlook, Canva, Excel, WordPress and Meta. I feel confident that I can step into my next role with sufficient knowledge of these programs that are used across multiple industries.

Q4: What do you wish you knew before interning that you would like to share with other students?

Sienna: Something I realized during my internship is that making connections is just as important as doing great work. It’s easy to focus only on getting tasks done, especially when things move quickly and there’s a lot going on. But don’t skip the coffee breaks or chances to chat with coworkers—those conversations can lead to valuable relationships and insights. Taking time to connect with others is a key part of the experience!

Ashanti: I wish I had realized that every area of my interests holds untapped potential. The staff at WTCSav, along with the other organizations in the building, are incredibly supportive and motivating. They consistently encourage you to explore your passions and help you develop the skills necessary to thrive in your chosen field.

Hadley: If you prioritize opportunities outside the scope of being in the office for 15 hours a week, you will truly gain memorable experiences and invaluable chances to network and hone your social skills.

Q5: Would you recommend other students complete WTCSav’s internship program? If so, why?

Sienna: I would highly recommend this internship to other students! Working on diverse projects, attending board meetings, assisting with delegations and participating in events around Savannah made this a truly unique experience. The teams at SEDA, WTCSav, Film Savannah and RISE are outstanding professionals who do impactful work and offer valuable feedback. This internship is a great opportunity for current students or recent graduates to build their skills in a supportive and dynamic environment!

Ashanti: Absolutely! This program offers a unique opportunity to develop a broad set of skills that go beyond what most internships provide. I had the chance to work across four different organizations, gaining a comprehensive understanding of their impact on the Savannah community. This experience wasn’t just about the typical intern duties – I was treated as a valuable team member. Through this, I was able to see firsthand how economic development, industry support services, workforce development, world trade and even the Film Commission’s services all contribute to the region’s growth.

Hadley: I would definitely recommend this internship as it was highly recommended to me. This opportunity shepherded a seamless transition from being a full-time student to my career. The WTCSav internship program created real-life bridges into what my future will look like. I have a much better understanding of what a team player looks like in an office space, how high-level professionals conduct themselves and the type of dedication it takes to succeed. I believe I have started my professional career with a top-level organization and I will forever be grateful for that.