For many college students, internships stand as a landmark opportunity as a way to get a head start in their professional careers. For Stockton University alumna, Elizabeth Myers, her internship opportunity with Stockton’s long-time partner, Spencer’s and Spirit, led to her job as a Jr. Copywriter with the company.

Myers’ journey began at Stockton, studying literature and staying active on campus. Serving as Editor-in-Chief for The Argo, writing for Stockton’s literary magazine, and interning with Stockton’s library for archival work helped Myers build her writing portfolio. Outside of school, she also worked as a preschool teacher, continuing to engage in academics.

In a conversation with Career Education, Myers discovered the copy writing internship opportunity with Spencer’s and Spirit. Although it was a different track from her original plan of academia and dream of becoming a professor, Spencer’s offered an opportunity that allowed her to utilize her writing skills in a new way.

After applying for the internship and earning the position, Myers began her journey with the company in between her final two semesters at Stockton. Her internship experience allowed her to earn corporate copy writing experience and continue to build her professional portfolio. During her internship, shadowing other writers and receiving feedback on assignments helped Myers prepare for future positions in the field and with Spencer’s and Spirit. The internship opportunity also allowed her to network within the company and paved her way to becoming a freelance writer, and later Jr Copy Writer, for Spencer’s and Spirit.

Myers’ experience is a common career path for many. Approximately 72% of employers offer their interns full-time positions after the completion of their internships, with 80% of those offers being accepted (Forbes 2023). Internships are not only vital to gaining employment opportunities, but they are also crucial for employers to fill entry-level positions and continue to secure talent early on. The mutually beneficial relationship keeps internships at the forefront of many recruiters’ and future employees’ minds.

While Myers’ career path unfolded quite differently from her original plans, she says it was a great opportunity to learn more about herself and other career options she didn’t know about.

“Be curious in all corners of life. Be curious, you know, care — hear about the people around you,” Myers stated, “Establish a genuine connection with the people in your workplace […] strong work, stronger character is key.”

For more information and assistance on internship preparation and opportunities, visit the Stockton Career Education and Development Center, located in Campus Center, Suite 104.