Olivia Hopkins

Describe the steps you took to obtain your internship/research opportunity/fellowship.

I first conducted an extensive search on internships and the types of internships I would be interested in. After narrowing down my list, I created a list of pros and cons for each internship to make clear comparisons throughout the application process. I went to the Career Center to work on my resume and to obtain help with my cover letter. After finishing these two application requirements, I asked two Florida State professionals to write letters of recommendations for all of the internships. After receiving all of the necessary application materials, I sent my applications to the respective companies. I received phone interviews from two of the three companies and was accepted by those two companies. I referred to my pros and cons list I made earlier to then decide what opportunity would be best for me and my family.

How far in advance did you prepare and begin applying for your experiential learning opportunity?

I started the application process back in November 2018. I was eager to narrow down my search of internships and to not miss any deadlines.

If you used any Career Center services, resources, or events to obtain your internship/research opportunity/fellowship, what were they? How did they support your application process?

I used the Career Center services to help with my resume and cover letters. The Career Center helped with the two most essential parts of all of my applications.

Describe some of your responsibilities or duties during your experiential learning opportunity.

During my experiential learning opportunity, I staffed the Festival press office and assisted working journalists with obtaining interviews, photos, and story information for print, online, radio, and television coverage of the Festival. As an apprentice, I managed photo opportunities, created press packets, monitored press coverage, collaborated with fellow apprentices to produce creative content for social media, and assisted with day to day operations of the press room.

What was a typical day like "on the job?"

I would arrive at the office by 9 am. Each day varied greatly but most days the other intern and I would deliver ticket brochures, generate social media content, and write blog posts for the website. After completing these tasks and a number of other things that came up throughout my time as an intern, I would leave at 5 pm.

What are some major takeaways from your experience? How will these help prepare you for the next step after graduation?

Some major takeaways from my experience are how to work with a group in a professional setting, how to interact with different professionals & guest artists, and how to work with and for a target audience. These will help me prepare for the next step after graduation by helping me decide what I would like to do in the future and where.

Did this experience help clarify your career path? If yes, how so?

Yes, with any experience, you gain insight and knowledge as to what you would and wouldn't like to do in the future. My experience has helped me decide what I would like to do and where.