EDITORS NOTE: Internships provide valuable experience and an inside look at the ranges of careers available to students. We’re proud to celebrate National Intern Day with a note from the Chamber’s intern, Hudson Ewing. Hudson has been a valuable asset to the Chamber working on projects ranging from workforce, retail, downtown, administrative duties and learning more about the Abilene business community.
As we learn more about Hudson’s experience, we ask that you consider taking a survey so we can gain a better understanding of all the internship offerings in our community for AYP’s program Intern ABI. Click here for a link.
My Experience:
During my internship at the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, I have had the incredible opportunity to work with the Abilene Regional Growth Alliance, focusing on workforce solutions and Abilene's Downtown Initiative. Working alongside Laurin Kocurek and the team, I have gained valuable insights into the dynamics of regional growth and the significance of Chamber work. This experience proved to be enriching and fulfilling, serving as a crucial steppingstone in my professional journey. I am immensely grateful for the knowledge and experiences gained during my time at the Chamber of commerce.
Why Internships Important for Students:
Internships play a crucial role in shaping students' future careers by offering a magnitude of advantages and benefits. A few advantages I have witnessed are hands-on experience, networking, skill development and professional mentorship. Internships give students the opportunity to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world applications through real work experience. The hands-on work I did, paired with mentorship, skill development and networking have proven to be extremely beneficial and will continue to serve me throughout my career.
Why Abilene:
Abilene has proven to be an ideal destination for internship experiences. A major reason for this is Abilene's exceptional networking opportunities. The tight knit community and professional organizations such as AYP make it easy for interns to connect with professionals in a meaningful way. Furthermore, Abilene is ripe with opportunity for growth. With many new and growing industries, Abilene presents interns with opportunities to be a part of new and impactful projects. Lastly, Abilene offers a supportive community. Abilene is known for its friendly and welcoming community. As an intern, you are more than likely to find supportive mentorship who are willing to help and guide you on your journey.