Five ways an internship prepared me for life after graduation

Megan Reese has been the social media assistant for the social media team within Virginia Tech Marketing and Communications. She is about to graduate with a degree in multimedia journalism.

What kind of job puts you on the field for "Enter Sandman," at HokieBird's birthday party, and in Perry Place taste-testing Smoke’s jalapeño mac and cheese on camera?

A job that never really feels like work.

For the past 2 1/2 years, I’ve worked as a social media assistant for the Virginia Tech social media team. Whether filming interviews and campaigns on the Blacksburg campus or collaborating in the office, it wasn’t the tasks that made this experience so valuable, it was the growth and confidence I gained as a student and aspiring professional.

It’s been a valuable learning experience that I know I’ll miss after graduation, but more importantly, I know I’m ready for what comes next. Here's why:

The best kind of learning comes from combining classroom learning with real-world experiences

I quickly realized it wasn’t school or my internship. It was school and my internship.

One day I learned how to measure social media metrics in class. The next, I was analyzing them in the office.

Through meetings and collaboration with industry professionals, I learned how to communicate, adapt, and lead. So when a class project required building a campaign for a real client, I was ready — not just to create it, but to work professionally with a team and communicate effectively.

"Fun" projects can have meaningful impact

Every day, I was excited to clock in. Then, that excitement always translated into meaningful experience in my journey to professional work.

One highlight was helping with the HokieBird reveal video in 2024. Each year, the identity of the graduating students who play the role of HokieBird is revealed at University Commencement. While the public sees a short video, I saw the full process: creative vision, teamwork, and execution. It was fun, but it was also a lesson in collaboration.

I also loved interviewing students across campus. Those conversations, and the connections behind them, helped me build my interpersonal communication skills and break down barriers of uncertainty.

Soft skills are just as important as technical skills

Technical skills matter, but soft skills are just as important.

Through this role, I developed professionalism, communication, adaptability, and collaboration. From writing emails to contributing in large meetings and long-term projects, every experience taught me something. In seeing projects from start to finish, I also learned how to accept constructive criticism and value feedback. 

Networking matters

I used to think landing a job was just about applying and hoping.

Instead, I learned it’s about networking.

As a first-year student, my teaching assistant, who also worked on the social media team, encouraged me to apply for the social media assistant role. Since then, he has remained a mentor in my journey to life after graduation. That connection showed me how short-term mentorship can turn into lasting guidance.

My advice: Put yourself out there. Talk to peers, teaching assistants, and professors. Build relationships because they can shape your future.

Balancing student life with real-world experience builds lasting habits

At first, I worried about falling behind in school. But I quickly realized my internship helped me succeed in the classroom.

Balancing both taught me time management, organization, and accountability.

This experience has been one of the most valuable parts of my college career, not just as a student, but as a young professional.

Looking back, the habits I built while balancing it all are what made this more than just a job; they made it a defining experience that shaped who I am today.

Written by Megan Reese '26