One of the many opportunities offered to the students of Jacksonville High School is the school’s CTE Internship program which helps to further their specific career interests. In this program, students choose a field in which they want to gain experience and build relationships. With the help of Jacksonville’s Internship Advisor, students can begin a semester-long internship with a local sponsor site of their choice.
Personally, I am fascinated by the world of design, specifically commercial and residential interior design. I’m also drawn to business entrepreneurship and small business management. Throughout my career, I hope to incorporate these interests into my career path. This internship was designed to expanding my knowledge and experience in both.
For the spring semester of my senior year at Jacksonville High School, I was recommended for an internship at 17blue Digital Agency. My advisor knew it would touch both my interests in design and business. Throughout my time interning with this company, I have been introduced to a more-than-welcoming environment that has helped me to remain focused, productive, and creative. In the few months I interned with this business, I have become significantly more confident in my ability to understand social media marketing, blog topic research, proper customer relations, business management tactics, and the processes required to keep a business running successfully.
The team in this office have taken me under their wing, each imparting their own personal perspectives on my career interests. This unique and inspiring group has answered every small, and extremely detailed question I asked, inspiring more clarity in the direction of what I want to do with my career goals. I cannot thank them enough for taking time to allow me to participate in their activities like quarterly planning sessions, company logo designs, content offer creation, and more.
Interning with 17blue has given me a kickstart for my career journey as I enter my freshman year of college in the fall. The company and people invested in it have motivated me to take risks and always trust my own instincts. They’ve given me a place to come back to, knowing they hope to see my dreams become a reality.
To the 17blue Team: Cindy, Carolyn, Vanessa, Aubrey, Brittany, Sequoia, and Danielle, thank you for allowing me to be a part of something much bigger than myself. The time that I have spent in the office with you will hold a special place in my heart for many years to come, as I will carry each of you with me through college and career.
I wish you all the best!
Becca Barnes
