First Impressions as an USC Intern
To celebrate National Intern Day, we asked our current cohort of Interns to share their first impressions about the USC and how their internship is going so far!
Follow their journey this year on the USC’s social channels – @westernusc
Aidan Callender
Photo/Video Intern
I think I am most grateful for my internship at the USC because I get to learn more about a topic that interests me, and ultimately build new skills. I also get to integrate my vision with the vision of others, whether that be using new software, animation, gear or the expertise of others. The mentorship is also very helpful, both from the people within the creative department and in other departments as they are open to new ideas and collaboration. Seeing my work being published and used also is very meaningful to me; it’s definitely cool when it all comes together and you get to have your work displayed on a large banner or shared to thousands of people. That is what inspires me to keep working hard, and bring new ideas and concepts to life. All of these aspects will help me build a stronger portfolio and ultimately help me further my strength as a creative in the future.
Outside of work life, there are other aspects the internship has made me grateful for. I am grateful for being surrounded by friendly people, grateful for the opportunities this internship brings, grateful for its proximity to campus, and grateful for the events I get to attend while doing something I love. This internship has made me think of bigger projects in the future, and definitely inspired me to continue dreaming of where I could take my passion.
Joel Daniel
Web Development Intern
In this role, I’m focused on helping the USC’s digital presence grow stronger and more accessible through thoughtful design, responsive features, and collaborative development. Whether it’s updating page layouts, building new components, or helping reimagine how everyone interacts with our site.
Over the past two months, I’ve worked closely with multiple teams across the organization to support rebranding efforts, develop creative solutions, and bring fresh ideas to life. Every day has been a chance to learn something new, and being able to see direct impact from my work has been incredibly motivating.
One of the best parts of this job has been the people. From day one, my coworkers have been welcoming, collaborative, and kind. Working in a team that values creativity and communication has made the transition into this role smooth and energizing.
As I continue growing in this position, I’m looking forward to building even more tools that make the USC’s work more accessible and student-focused. It’s a privilege to be part of a team that’s so committed to making a positive impact.
Sarah Goldsmith
Social Media Student Outreach Intern
In June, I started as the Social Media Student Outreach Intern with the USC. In this role, I help keep the USC’s platforms engaging, student-focused, and true to the student voice on campus. I create content that reflects the Western student experience, from promoting services and events to sharing important updates and hopping on trends that resonate with our audience.
One of the most rewarding parts of this internship has been the ownership I have over my work. I’m encouraged to take initiative, pitch ideas, and directly contribute to the content we share. What makes the work really fresh and exciting is that no two days are the same. There’s always something new to take on, tools to learn, and creative challenges to explore.
Working alongside full-time staff and the other interns has pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow. I’ve learned new software, experimented with promotional assets, and thought critically about strategy and performance. It’s a collaborative environment where we celebrate each other’s wins and stay connected to what’s happening across the organization.
Having been involved with the USC before, this role has deepened my understanding of student leadership and given me the chance to contribute in a new, meaningful way to an organization that has done so much for me during my time at Western.
I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and am looking forward to the rest of the year!
Lauren Martin
Digital Media Intern
Since starting my internship as the Digital Media Intern with the USC, it has helped me gain hands-on experience in the communications and hospitality industry, in particular with content development, brand messaging, and managing digital platforms to effectively engage audiences. I applied to this internship because I was excited by being able to bridge creativity and strategy through digital media. From day one of this internship, I have had the opportunity to work directly with the Communications team, my fellow interns, and The Wave and The Spoke operations.
The USC offers a welcoming and fast-paced environment where you are able to enhance your skills while building a professional network. As the Digital Media Intern, I have had the flexibility to develop content for The Wave and The Spoke’s digital platforms, collaborate on marketing campaigns, and experiment with new platforms and formats. The USC internship program fosters an environment where creativity, innovation, and collaboration thrive. I’ve gained valuable experience in content creation, digital marketing, and brand storytelling.
What I’ve enjoyed most about this internship is the balance of creative freedom and strategic thinking. I’ve valued the chance to contribute to campaigns that have a tangible impact on the student experience, while learning from professionals in marketing, communications, and hospitality.
This internship has deepened my understanding of digital media in a real-world context and has prepared me with the skills I will need for my future career. I’m looking forward to continuing to contribute and learn even more in the coming months!
Ann Ta
Graphic Design Intern
I came across the USC Graphic Design internship while I was in the middle of applying to roles related to my Human Resources program. At first, I brushed it off—it wasn’t what I was “supposed” to be applying for. It wasn’t in my field, and I wasn’t sure I was qualified. However, something about it stuck with me. Maybe it’s because I’ve always loved art: every notebook, worksheet, or empty corner of a page was my sketchpad growing up.
Even though I was pursuing a career in HR, I’d never really let go of that creative side. Still, I hesitated. I wasn’t in a design program. My portfolio wasn’t perfect. But I realized that if I kept waiting until I felt “qualified enough,” I might never apply at all. So I applied anyway, and I’m incredibly glad I did.
Now, two months into the internship, I can confidently say it’s been one of the most meaningful roles I’ve held. Not only have I had the chance to contribute creatively to USC’s Communications Team, but I’ve also felt truly valued. There’s a high level of autonomy here, where interns are trusted with real projects that directly impact student engagement. But beyond the work, the team has made all the difference. Working in London for the summer felt daunting at first, but I’ve found a community that supports me professionally and personally.
If you’re unsure whether to apply because it may be “outside your field,” I would highly recommend doing it anyway since you might end up finding exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Rose Yang
Social Media Promotions & Mobilization Intern
Even though I’ve only been with the USC for two months, I already feel incredibly proud to be part of such a purposeful and supportive organization.
From the very beginning, I was impressed by the structure and clarity of the Creative Department. My role as the Social Media Promotions and Mobilization Intern has been busy—but never chaotic. The team runs on collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement. Everyone—from interns to senior staff—is open, approachable, and always willing to offer guidance. It’s a safe place for all creative minds.
At USC, I’ve had the chance to take ownership of meaningful projects, contribute to campaigns that directly impact students, and learn from some seriously talented people.
It’s the kind of hands-on experience you hope for in an internship—one that’s challenging, creative, and full of growth. What makes it even more fulfilling is the purpose behind the work. Learning about USC’s history and mission has deepened my motivation to give my best every day. I feel empowered to not just do the work, but to care about the impact it has.
Most importantly, USC genuinely prioritizes work-life balance and mental wellness—values I personally advocate for. I’m grateful for the opportunity to intern here and be part of a team that’s making student life better, one campaign at a time.
Summer Xu
Market Research Intern
I’ve had a great time during my first two months as the Market Research Intern for the USC! It’s been a unique learning opportunity to go behind the scenes of an organization that made my student experience so incredible during my time at Western.
I love that I get to work on a variety of things each day; I could be interpreting market research data in the morning and collaborating on a promotional campaign in the afternoon. I hope that as the year moves along, I’ll be able to continue working both my analytical and creative muscles. The projects I’ve supported so far mean a lot to me personally, and it’s motivating to know that they’ll have direct impacts on students. Plus, I’ve been learning how to use software like Excel and Qualtrics, developing my skills as I hope to pursue a career in research-related fields.
I’m given a lot of independence when I work on projects, which is unconventional for an internship! Because of this, I feel that my contributions are valued, but I also know that there is support around me to help me grow. There’s a real sense of team spirit within the USC; I can tell that everyone in the organization not only truly cares about the student body, but also about their coworkers’ well-being. And, of course, working alongside and building friendships with the six other interns has been so much fun! I’m looking forward to what’s in store for us over the rest of the school year.
