By Hannah Bond, Former PWW Communications Intern
Gaining real-world experience is essential in today’s competitive job market, and internships provide a valuable opportunity to bridge the gap between education and employment. As degrees become a standard requirement rather than a distinguishing factor, hands-on experience is crucial for career advancement. Internships allow individuals to develop industry-specific skills, build professional networks, and gain insights that can’t be learned in a classroom.
Over the past year, I’ve worked as the communications intern with Pennsylvania Women Work. This experience provided me with more opportunities than I ever imagined, helping me grow both professionally and creatively. From content creation to strategic communication, I gained invaluable skills that will shape my future career.
Here are the key lessons that I will carry with me as I move on to my next position:
1. Be Responsive
The saying “treat people how you want to be treated” holds a special place in my heart, and it applies especially in a professional setting. Effective communication is the foundation of any successful workplace, fostering strong relationships and seamless collaboration.
Being responsive isn’t just about answering emails quickly—it’s about actively engaging with colleagues, meeting deadlines, and showing that you value others’ time. During my internship, whether I was coordinating social media campaigns, assisting with event promotions, or brainstorming new content ideas, I learned that clear and timely communication not only keeps projects on track but also builds trust within a team.
2. Criticism is Crucial
One of the most valuable aspects of my internship was the creative trust the communications team placed in me. I was given the freedom to take ownership of projects, and with that came constructive feedback that helped me grow.
Each piece of content I worked on—whether it was a social media post, a graphic, or a promotional campaign—was met with thoughtful critiques. These weren’t about pointing out flaws, but about refining and enhancing the work to best represent the organization’s mission. I quickly learned that feedback isn’t something to fear; it’s an opportunity to improve and create stronger, more impactful content. Embracing constructive criticism has helped me develop a sharper eye for detail and a deeper understanding of strategic communication.
3. Give it Your All
As a collegiate track and field athlete, I’ve always been told to leave it all on the track. That mindset has shaped how I approach every challenge, and my internship with PA Women Work was no exception. When you give something your all, you not only maximize your potential, but you also walk away with fewer regrets, knowing you put in your best effort.
During my time at PA Women Work, I poured my heart into every project, demonstrating my dedication to the organization’s mission. In return, I was met with an incredible support system—not just from the communications team, but from the inspiring women who make PA Women Work thrive. Their passion for empowering others is truly contagious, and witnessing the real impact of their work was both humbling and motivating.
One of the most rewarding moments of my internship was seeing my photography featured on PA Women Work’s website—a testament to the trust they placed in my creative abilities. But the most surreal experience? Finding out that my photos were showcased on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Knowing that my work reached such a wide audience reinforced the power of storytelling through media and the importance of giving every opportunity my full effort.
Looking Back
My time with PA Women Work has been more than just an internship—it’s been a transformative experience. I’ve gained skills that will stay with me throughout my career, built meaningful relationships, and had the chance to create work that makes a real impact. This opportunity has solidified my passion for communications and multimedia, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.
To those considering an internship, my advice is simple: be responsive, embrace criticism, and give it everything you have. The rewards—both personal and professional—are greater than you can imagine. Through my internship, I gained invaluable hands-on experience, strengthened my communication skills, and built meaningful connections in my field. The challenges I faced helped me grow, and the feedback I received made me a stronger professional. If you approach your internship with dedication and an open mind, you’ll leave not only with new skills but also with confidence in your abilities and a clearer vision for your future.