Boone interned at the Hall of Fame Village as a private events intern, securing the opportunity through a mock interview in one of her classes that led to a real job offer. She officially applied in March, submitting a resume, cover letter, and a simple application with basic “about you” questions. After meeting with HR and the supervisor of the private events team, she knew it would be a great fit.

Throughout her internship, Boone developed her communication skills by contributing during company and client meetings.

“I got to learn what a business environment looked like, which I was super unfamiliar with until my internship,” said Boone.

The experience also helped her clarify her career goals by identifying what she enjoys and what she doesn’t.

Boone advises students to be honest, both when interviewing with prospective companies and while interning.  

“Future employers know you're a student and may not have a lot of experience but being honest about that is important so they can help you when you need it.”

 

Allie Rudman – Sherwin-Williams

Rudman interned with Sherwin-Williams as a management and sales intern. Like Boone, she discovered her internship through a mock interview in one of her classes, and applied in April. 

Her application process included a video interview with recorded questions, followed by a phone interview with an early talent acquisition specialist. She then had an in-person interview at a Sherwin-Williams store, followed by a final virtual interview with the district manager, who offered her the internship that evening.

During her internship, Rudman strengthened her adaptability, communication, time management, and teamwork skills. She worked on a project to improve employee engagement, presenting her findings to the Vice President of Sales just two days after being told to revamp her approach.  

Through the internship, Rudman learned the importance of being open to change and different ideas. 

“I never would’ve done a sales and management internship, especially for a paint company (I knew nothing about paint). However, now I work part-time at the store and am looking into corporate jobs for the same company!”  stated Rudman.  

She advises students interested in taking a summer internship to be patient, to reach out to people, and to not be afraid of asking questions. 

“Sometimes, the best internships are the ones that come by surprise. If I hadn’t been open about my interest in internships during the mock interview, I never would’ve found this one!”

  

How to Secure a Summer Internship

If you’re looking for an internship, here are some key steps to follow:

 

1. Start Early

Many companies post internship opportunities months in advance. While some positions (like Rudman’s) may be available later in the spring, applying early increases your options. You can apply to internships through sites such as LinkedIn, Handshake, or Indeed.

 

2. Utilize Campus Resources

Mock interviews, career fairs, and career services offices are great tools for finding opportunities. Both Rudman and Boon found their internships through class mock interviews, which turned into real opportunities. Mount Union’s Career Development provides resources like mock interviews, and students can schedule an appointment by emailing gannonbr@mountunion.edu.

 

3. Network

According to Beau Gannon, the director of Career Development, networking is one of the most valuable assets in an internship search.

“Identify what you want to gain from an internship experience and seek opportunities that will provide those experiences. Reach out to your Career Development Office, faculty, staff, coaches, friends, and family members to learn about what professional learning experiences are available to you.”

Speak with advisors, professors, alumni, and professionals in your field. Letting people know you’re looking can lead to unexpected opportunities. Attending networking events such as Mount Union’s Networking and Desserts events, and consider joining clubs such as American Marketing Association (AMA) or Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) to build connections with industry professionals.

  

4. Make Your Application Stand Out

A well-crafted resume and cover letter tailored to each application can make a big difference. Highlight relevant skills and experiences, even from coursework or volunteer work. You can ask your advisor, professor, or the Career Development Center to help you refine your resume! 

 

5. Prepare for Interviews

Practice answering common questions, research the company beforehand, and be ready to discuss how your skills align with the role.

 

6. Follow Up

After an interview, send a thank-you email to express appreciation and reinforce your interest in the position. This shows interviewers that you really care about the position and can help set you apart from other candidates. 

 

7. Don’t Give Up!

You might not land an internship on your first try, and that’s okay! Keep applying, seek guidance from advisors and career services, and refine your resume and interview skills. With persistence, you’ll find the right summer internship for you.

  

Making the Most of Your Internship

Once you’ve secured an internship, maximize the experience by actively engaging, asking questions, and seeking out learning opportunities. Internships not only provide job experience but also help clarify career goals, just as they did for Boon and Rudman.

No matter where your internship takes you, staying open to new experiences and challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities—sometimes even a full-time job offer. So, start your search today, put yourself out there, and take the first step toward a successful career!

To find more resources, check out Mount Union’s Center for Student Success in KHIC or the Career Development page to find sample resumes, cover letters, and much more.