"Getting it right," says Kelly Adamson, is the best part of the internship. Surprised by just about everything in the workplace, the sense of accomplishment and the kudos for a job well-done make each day worthwhile for the junior communication major. Hoping to explore career options in both marketing and PR she opted to split her time between Ceisler and Planned Parenthood.

"At Ceisler I'm doing a lot of social media posts and getting the word out. At Planned Parenthood, I'm working on a lot of different marketing things - like making posters, promoting rapid HIV testing, outreach to area agencies and hospitals. I'm really surprised at how different the atmospheres are at the two offices."

One thing they both have in common, though: engaged placement supervisors. "Both of my supervisors are really involved in what I'm doing. Both have gotten to know me, not just as an intern, but as a person. Which is really important because this is all new...a new city, new people, new jobs. They both make sure I'm doing okay."

Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, Family Violence and Sexual Assault Unit

"Each case is a jigsaw puzzle. I love seeing how the pieces fit together," says junior Jane Carmody. Each morning Carmody wakes up, wondering what the day will bring. "It varies a lot and I love how different each day is."

Although she didn't have a clear idea of what she'd be doing, she expected that as an undergraduate her learning would be limited and observational, at best. Instead, she finds herself elbow-deep in witness statements, DNA analysis, police reports, writing sentencing memos, and running around the courthouse.

And she credits a great supervisor who's open, available, responsive, clear, and who is willing to take the time to teach.  "She makes sure I understand why I'm doing something." But Carmody understands that it's not entirely up to her supervisor to make sure her internship is a success -- she suggests that future interns have a clear understanding of what they want and then to communicate those needs to the supervisor as early in the internship as possible.

Black Women's Health Alliance, Intern

"I really like the work that I'm doing and what my organization is trying to accomplish," says Keyanna Mozie, an Oberlin College junior.

Working at the Black Women's Health Alliance with executive director Brenda Shelton-Dunston has opened Mozie's eyes to the ways in which a sociology degree can be put to use in unusual ways in the workplace.

"I'm learning a lot about health care, the Affordable Care Act and how people get services. Working here and seeing some of the barriers to good health care - race, class, education,  how people are socialized...I have never had experience with public health before and I'm learning it's a very specific field and has a lot to do with sociology [my major]."

"I'm really surprised by the amount of work that I'm doing. I'm working for a really small organization and I feel like I really am an asset. The work I'm doing is important, viable. My presence is noticed and means something."

Not only is her internship a great opportunity to explore the intersections between sociology, policy, and public health, but she's learning a lot from her supervisor as well. "My relationship with my supervisor is really good. She's a great mentor on all different types of levels. Her experience with public health, in Philadelphia, as a black woman professional...she really has my best interests in mind and is giving me all the opportunities she can."

Expert Events, Events Intern

A day in the life of OWU junior, Lauren Salustro, may include morning meetings, client presentations, and attending swanky events with her placement supervisor, Sharon McCullough, of Expert Events.

She stays busy behind the scenes, too, "On days where we don't have meetings, I'll go to the office and answer emails, do research on venues, in-kind vendors, and outdoor spaces," says Salustro. "I'm also learning a lot about communication, professionalism, timeliness, and strategic planning."

Like all TPC students, Salustro appreciates her supervisor's time and commitment to her learning. "She walks me through everything so I can execute tasks more effectively. She responds to questions immediately -- it's really important to get constructive feedback and she's great at it. She's a great mentor and role model."