Balancing Growth and Opportunity: A Premier Internship Experience

Internships are more than just a line on a resume—they’re a chance to dive into the professional world, tackle real challenges, and discover what truly matters in a career. At Premier, one intern’s journey showcases the power of hands-on experience, adaptability, and personal growth.

From managing marketing projects to navigating the complexities of balancing an internship with college life, this experience has been a masterclass in time management, creative problem-solving, and professional development. Through creating engaging content for The High Ground Podcast and social media, refining technical skills in video editing and Photoshop, and learning the nuances of SEO and social media algorithms, this intern has gained invaluable insights.

But it’s not just about the work—it’s about the culture, the community impact, and the lessons that extend beyond the office. Read on to hear about Hannah’s rewarding moments, challenges, and lasting impressions of an internship that bridges education and career aspirations.

Can you describe your main responsibilities during your internship at Premier and what has been most rewarding about the experience?

Hannah: During my time at Premier, I have been responsible for a multitude of marketing projects. Some of these include creating content for social media accounts, capturing and collecting pictures for an updated photo bank, and working to promote The High Ground Podcast.

I’d have to say the most rewarding part of working for Premier has been seeing a real-time response to some of the content I’ve created. We have seen growth in traffic around the podcast and social media, which were two of my biggest ongoing projects.

What are some specific skills or knowledge you’ve gained during your time at Premier? How did you see these skills used throughout your time?

Hannah: Two crucial marketing skills I developed during my time at Premier so far have been video editing and photoshop. I used Adobe software almost every day and I am much more confident in my ability to use the various programs than I was at the beginning of my internship.

I spent a lot of time in the summer of 2024 creating shorts, or reels, for The High Ground’s social media accounts. I enjoyed making these because it familiarized me with the content of the episodes and it was fun to find a creative way to interest people in a specific episode.

How has continuing the internship into the fall/winter months while being in college impacted your daily routine?

Hannah: Working remotely while at school has taught me a lot about time management and has allowed me to continue to stretch my knowledge base in a real world environment beyond the classroom. Additionally, it is nice to be able to have something to do other than school during the day.

What strategies have you used to balance your academic workload and your responsibilities at Premier?

Hannah: I have always sworn by having at least two different planners or calendars. I block off specific time during the week and I make sure to keep track of things I need to get done. It is easier for me to visualize what I need to get done if it is written out on a piece of paper.

Have your professors or classmates noticed or commented on your internship experience?

Hannah: I shared a little about my internship with my capstone professor and he emphasized the importance of students understanding how algorithms work on social media sites. He was also happy to see I got to work with video development, since that isn’t something I was as familiar with before.

What have you learned about the industry or the professional world that you didn’t know before this internship?

Hannah: I learned a lot about the culture of Premier while working as an intern. The company is a welcoming environment and every employee was always eager to help me learn something. I always have had reservations about working in a big office, but I got to know so many people even in the short time I have worked here.

How has this experience influenced your career aspirations or goals?

Hannah: The biggest thing that has changed was my interest in working with the community. I have seen the positive impact Premier has had in local communities and that is something I now value in my future career. I also chose to take a podcasting class in the spring because of how much I enjoyed working with The High Ground at Premier.

What advice would you give to another student who’s considering taking on an internship while still in college?

Hannah: It is a lot of work, but ultimately very rewarding. I was also an officer for a few clubs during this time and in a heavy class load, so my time was stretched a little thinner than others might be. I also want to emphasize that it is important to maintain a social life outside of work and school. Sure you get to see people in class, but if you aren’t spending time with friends, stress can build up.

Premier: Do you feel that Premier has provided you with the support and resources you need to succeed as both an intern and a student?

Hannah: Absolutely. Premier has been such a great company to work at. Everyone I have met has been understanding of my status as a student and my need to work different hours outside of the traditional work day. They have also emphasized that my education should always come first.

Reflecting on Growth: Hannah’s Journey at Premier

Hannah’s internship experience at Premier is a testament to the value of balancing education with real-world opportunities. Through hands-on projects, she honed her marketing skills, navigated challenges, and discovered a passion for creating community impact.

Her ability to juggle academics, an internship, and leadership roles demonstrates the importance of time management, adaptability, and maintaining a well-rounded life. By embracing these challenges, Hannah not only grew professionally but also gained clarity about her future career aspirations.

As she continues to apply the skills and insights gained from this internship, Hannah’s story serves as inspiration for other students to pursue opportunities that challenge and shape them. At Premier, the support and encouragement she received allowed her to thrive—and that support will undoubtedly continue to guide her in her journey ahead.