How She Got That Internship is a series that highlights conservative women’s internships in various organizations and positions to inspire the next generation of conservative women to lead. Did you, or a young woman that you know, have an internship experience you want to share with our readers? Submit it in this form and we will contact you if we think it would be a great fit for the series.
Summer internship season is nearly upon us, and girls across the country are dutifully working to complete their applications in time to land the internship that might change their lives. FFL is sitting down with a number of interns to reflect on the best internships they’ve had and inspire others to try new things, step outside of their comfort zone, and be the best intern they can be.
Rachel holds an undergraduate degree in History with a minor in Business from Mississippi College. While at MC, she was involved in College Republicans and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. The involvement in College Republicans gave her the opportunity to travel to Florida to campaign for Donald Trump for President and meet Senator Marco Rubio and then attend the Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C. After graduating from MC, she obtained a Marketing Management Technology Certificate from Hinds Community College. She interned for the First Lady of Mississippi, Deborah Bryant, during Spring 2019.
How did you find out about the internship opportunities at the First Lady of Mississippi’s Office and what was the application process like?
I interned with the Governor’s office the semester of Fall 2018. The Governor’s Mansion asked if any interns were available to assist with getting ready for the Christmas season. As the Mansion staff were putting the gifts together, one of them asked what I was in school for and what career I wanted to have when I graduate. I mentioned Marketing for a history museum like the Smithsonian or for the Government. The Chief of Staff mentioned that an internship could be available for the Spring semester with the Office of the First Lady which is located in the Governor’s Mansion. I applied because I love history and learning how different areas of the government not only work but work together.
What was a typical day like there?
There was no typical day at the internship and that is one part that made the internship enjoyable and exciting. Everyday there was something new to hear, learn, do, or watch. One day may be working in the office and having meetings and the next day could be going to an event and taking photographs.
What was the biggest WOW moment of your internship?
I learned and experienced many different aspects that I did not know happened behind the scenes. What people see at events, meetings, etc is not everything that took place to make those happen. There were always people behind the scenes such as in the kitchen that make the magic happen for the guests. Also, I saw many tours of the Mansions and followed behind them to hear the history of the historical section of the Mansion and the private living quarters. I always learned something new every time. The First Lady was always excited to show the people the Mansion because she considered it the home of the people.
What kind of mentor-ship did you receive during your internship?
Amazing mentor-ship! I worked alongside the Chief of Staff and she discussed the various aspects of what was happening in the Mansion each day. When it came to meetings, she would explain before and after information so I would be able to understand what was being discussed. The Chief of Staff and First Lady would discuss just every day life and I learned so much from their conversations.
What was the most valuable lesson you learned during your internship?
The Golden Rule: Do unto to others as you would have done unto you. Someone may not be respectful, kind, or polite to you, but you still treat them the way you would want to be treated. In any type of work, there will always be someone that you do not get along with you and is also true for life in general. As well as a title does not make the person. The person should work just as hard even without a title.
What are three tips you would have for someone else doing an internship there?
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You never know what opportunities, learning experiences, or amazing people you will meet because this or really any internship.
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Take time to meet everyone that works there from the kitchen staff, security, Mansion Administrator, Museum Curator, etc.
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Appreciate every day because before you know it the end of the internship will appear.
What’s next for you? How did this internship shape your career plans, your academics, or your idea of what you wanted to do after graduation?
The internship really helped me to understand that I really want to Marketing. It made me consider Graduate School in Marketing or Business. While my dream has always been a history museum or Government, it opened my eyes to the possibility of doing Marketing for medical facilities, organizations, non-profits, Education, etc. I sat in many meetings that involved various groups that discussed how they reach their clients, customers, patients and their family, volunteers, donors, etc.
