For many college students, internships are an opportunity to develop professional aptitude, strengthen professional relationships in their chosen career and see the inner workings of those industries.
Here are the stories of several Georgia State University students who devoted the summer break to preparing their path from college to career, getting experience testing Georgia’s drinking water for harmful chemicals, rehabilitating wild animals, helping immigrants and refugees get resettled, and more.
Shania Osgood
Shania Osgood’s desire to restore the environment through helping wildlife has led her to pursue a career in animal conservation.
This summer, the Georgia State University biology major is receiving first-hand experience in the field while getting up close and personal with some of her favorite animals thanks to an internship with AWARE Wildlife Center.
“Sometimes I have to contain my excitement,” Osgood said. “I’m living out my childhood dream.” Read more
Angie Gonzalez
With an influx of refugees and immigrants coming into the United States from various countries, political science major Angie Gonzalez said she was thrilled to intern at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Atlanta to help these newcomers adapt to life in the U.S.
Gonzalez had to go through an interview process to land the internship at the IRC, which provides direct assistance to refugees and immigrants suffering from humanitarian crises such as war.
“This is necessary work that needs to be done,” Gonzalez said. “It’s really impactful knowing that this organization is helping refugees in the wake of global crises. This is a very rewarding experience.” Read more
Boluwatife Oluleye
For anthropology master’s student Boluwatife Oluleye, summer internship opportunities have helped her explore the wide range of career options in the field.
Growing up in her home country of Nigeria, Oluleye would watch National Geographic with her family, which inspired her to work with archaeological and cultural resources.
Oluleye said internships with South Arts and New South Associates helped broaden her perspective on her potential career choices.
“My internships have shown me how diverse the field of anthropology and archaeology is,” Oluleye said. Read more
Gabrial Goldner
Gabrial Goldner, a water sciences master’s degree student, received invaluable work experience and built her professional confidence through a summer internship at Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources.
During her internship, Goldner worked in the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) where she assisted in testing for contaminants in water samples, known as per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS.
“The idea of being able to do this sort of testing would never have been possible without this internship. I went in every day thrilled to be there,” said Goldner, who has a Geosciences degree from Georgia State (B.S. ’21). “The internship has helped me understand what a possible future for me could look like.” Read more