By Caylee Dial, College of Arts and Sciences
As I approached my final semester at USF, I knew securing an internship was an essential step that would help me build confidence and gain exposure to a professional work environment before landing a full-time job. As a communications major pursuing a career in social media marketing, I knew that gaining hands-on experience was essential for building a portfolio and securing my first job after graduation.
Caylee Dial
When my advisor introduced me to the Mellon Humanities Internship Program, which offers both course credit and compensation, it almost sounded too good to be true.
The Mellon Humanities Internship Program gives undergraduate students majoring or minoring in the humanities the opportunity to explore career paths through funded internships and participate in professional development workshops. I was surprised by how many internship opportunities were available and how easy the application process was through Handshake.
This ultimately led me to my internship in the USF College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Office of Communications and Marketing.
During my internship, I developed valuable skills that will make me a more competitive candidate when entering the job market. I learned how to use professional photography equipment and Adobe Premiere Pro, strengthened my professional writing skills by publishing three articles in the college newsletter and enhanced my graphic design abilities while creating a social media campaign. Throughout the spring semester, I attended several events including a conference hosted by the USF Institute on Black Life, the college’s annual lecture series and the USF Botanical Gardens’ Spring Plant Festival, where I gained experience creating content for the college’s social media platforms. I also produced a video highlighting my experience, which we shared on social media.
By completing this internship, I was able to gain a preview of what a future career in social media marketing could look like. This experience not only strengthened my skills but also affirmed my goal of working in social media marketing and made me even more excited for what lies ahead.
One of the most valuable aspects of the internship was the flexibility it provided, allowing me to balance my academic, professional and personal responsibilities. I also appreciated the opportunity to work with a supportive team that was genuinely invested in helping me learn and grow.
Overall, this internship has helped me strengthen my resume by providing experience that extends beyond the classroom. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities the Mellon Humanities Internship Program has given me, and I highly recommend it to students who are looking to build professional skills and stand out before graduating.