Internships offer college students something incredibly valuable: the chance to explore what life might look like after graduation. They provide a firsthand look into the professional world beyond the classroom, and offer insight into what kinds of environments, roles, and leadership styles you might thrive in (or want to avoid).

Paid internships offer a unique combination: you’re gaining experience and earning a paycheck. But more importantly, they give students the chance to evolve. This growth is prompted by testing strengths, learning new skills, and developing a clearer sense of what they want their future to look like. That clarity makes a huge difference when it comes to making intentional, informed career decisions.

During my internship at the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, I walked away with much more than technical experience. I learned how to represent myself professionally, communicate with intention, and adjust quickly when things didn’t go according to plan. I was often in spaces where adaptability was key, and that helped me develop a mindset focused on growth. One of the most important takeaways? Learning how to not only receive feedback, but to apply it with purpose. This further shows intentionality, which reveals professionalism, growth-mindset, and diligence; all traits that encapsulate a genuine desire for achieving career success.

To other students preparing for their careers, I’d offer this: keep an open mind because variability is a gift. We’re still figuring out who we are and what we want, and internships can be a powerful space to experiment with that. Don’t underestimate the value of your current experiences- from coursework to extracurriculars. Instead, leverage them to build connections and define your personal brand. Internships aren’t just resume builders. They’re stepping stones toward confidence, clarity, and long-term success.