Hear from our Fall 2023 Interns about their experience at WTCSav.

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

Yuan: Learning how to professionally develop relationships has been incredibly helpful. I learned how to interact with people from different parts of the world and how to really engage and network. Relationship-building is key, and who you know as well as how you connect with people might just be the ticket to getting your dream job.
Oshja: With this internship, I learned the necessary professional skills needed to communicate and work effectively. The opportunities presented to me allowed me to network with so many people and gain confidence in professional settings.

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

Yuan: Take your time to find internships that genuinely interest you, not just those you think fit into your specific major. What you learn in school and at an internship will overlap in some way, so don’t be scared to find something that is totally unique compared to what you’re learning in the classroom.
Oshja: When seeking internships, I recommend listing what you want or expect to gain from those positions and what skills you already have that might contribute to your work. Once you know these two things, move forward with researching internships and communicate with program contacts what your interests, needs and potential contributions are. Remain confident and professional, and don’t feel intimidated. Internship managers want to help you learn and grow!

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

Yuan: Every research project was meaningful because I knew my research was contributing to what World Trade Center Savannah does on a larger scale of encouraging economic growth. It was rewarding to know that my research is used in the process, and I also learned a lot from the research itself.
Oshja: The most rewarding part of my internship were the numerous networking opportunities at various events. I was able to meet so many well-known local and international leaders, and to be able to network with those individuals was enriching and provided so much opportunity to learn. So many people were genuinely interested in my career pursuits and offered their guidance and support. I also loved being part of a team who work well together and provide a peaceful workspace.

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

Yuan: I wish I knew a little bit more about WTCSav and the work that is done here. I also wish I had been more aware of economic development as a career path – I hadn’t really heard of this field while in school. I think understanding the structure and work that is done to push for development in our community is eye-opening, not just for the internship but as a member of the community as well.
Oshja: I wish I knew beforehand to not feel so nervous or intimidated as an intern. Everyone is so welcoming and helpful, and I became more confident quickly because each person is genuinely there to help you learn and expand your professional development.

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

Yuan: I definitely recommend this internship. It’s interesting to see the behind-the-scenes of how change in our community is produced. Interns also get a lot of experience interacting with people from all around the globe. This internship opened my eyes to a new career path and there was so much to learn.
Oshja: I would absolutely recommend interning at WTCSav! THe life-changing experiences you gain from the program will impact your professional development and career path. World Trade Center Savannah is an extraordinary place to be able to develop in all areas.

Yuan Aung

Yuan Aung

Economic and Trade Research Intern

Georgia Southern University

Oshja Hester

Oshja Hester

Marketing and Programs Intern

Savannah State University