Summer internships provide students with a unique opportunity to gain practical, real-world skills in their chosen pathway, make lasting connections with industry professionals, contribute fresh ideas, and potentially explore new cities or regions. (And squeeze in some summer fun, too, of course!) What’s the best proof that internships are an invaluable way to jump-start your future career? Nearly two-thirds (63%) of the WSB undergraduate Class of 2024 were hired full time where they interned.
Before summer comes to a close, we asked three Wisconsin School of Business students to share insights from their internship experiences.
Charlotte Daly (BBA ’26)
Program: Marketing; Information Systems
Internship: Digital Marketing and Analytics Intern; Ovative Group, Minneapolis, MN
Favorite aspect of your internship? Ovative has so many interesting teams and I have loved getting to know people across the company. I’ve enjoyed learning about each function and seeing how they collaborate.
What’s something that surprised you? Learning so much about AI! I have participated in an AI Hackathon, built a GPT, and use AI every day. It’s been fun to explore various tools and learn how they are impacting advertising and media budgets.
Advice for future interns? Be curious every day—it is key to continuous growth, which is important at any part of your career and especially in the beginning.
Michelle Dolinskyy (BBA ’27)
Program: Finance, Investment and Banking; Risk Management and Insurance
Internship: Global Sarbanes-Oxley Act Intern; Motorola Solutions, Chicago, IL
Favorite aspect of your internship? Working in the audit space has given me a unique opportunity to interact with individuals from a wide variety of departments and business functions. This cross-functional exposure has helped me develop a broader understanding of how different parts of a business operate and how they come together and collaborate.
Beyond that, this internship has been a meaningful investment in my personal and professional growth. I’ve gained confidence in my communication and presentation skills, and I’ve learned how to navigate professional environments more effectively.
Advice for future interns? An internship is a two-way street. Use the opportunity to observe what aligns with your values and goals to ensure the company is the right environment for your growth.
Malina Douangmala (BBA ’25)
Program: Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Operations and Technology Management; International Business Certificate, Graphic Design Certificate
Internship: Customer Logistics and Strategies Intern; Kimberly-Clark, Neenah, WI
Favorite aspect of your internship? It’s been great job shadowing employees from different departments to learn more about their roles, as well as getting to apply what I learned in my supply chain management and marketing classes to software and platforms the company uses on a daily basis.
Advice for future interns? Take in all aspects of your internship! Try planning a meeting or coffee chat with people who are on your team, outside your department, or even in higher positions. Your colleagues have some of the best professional experiences, and they’re great to learn from.