Internship Reflection: Michael Curran '21

We recently checked in with Michael Curran ’21 who worked at the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den in Scranton as the marketing and events intern for the past few months. Read what he had to say about his experience, below.

Describe a typical day on the job.

A typical day as the marketing and events intern consisted of maintaining the annual pass membership database, which I helped form early in my internship. In addition, I would help carry out any tasks my supervisor presented me. This included researching various organizations and information to prepare for possible events, collecting, organizing and analyzing data about customers to better understand our market, contacting wineries and restaurants for the upcoming Wine Under the Waves event this summer, and providing material for Instagram and Facebook pages.

What do you enjoy most about your internship?

The aspect I enjoyed the most about my internship was being able to learn and gain experience in a professional setting while also helping the aquarium. It was great to improve my skills and grow while assisting in many projects and promotions planned by ECA.

What are some of the skills you have learned?

At my internship, I improved my communication skills and truly learned how important good communication is to succeed. In addition, I gained experience working alone and in a group setting on various projects, as well as learning the significance of planning and how to plan and prepare for future events.

What were your expectations for the internship? Does it match reality?

To be completely honest, before interning at the Electric City Aquarium, I never had any professional experience, so I really didn’t have many expectations. I just hoped I would learn information and gain experience relevant to my major and provide assistance and help in any manner possible, which is pretty accurate to how it all turned out.

How do you feel this internship prepared you for the real world?

My internship has provided me with a basis by allowing me to gain experience and enhance the skills necessary to succeed in the professional world.

What advice would you give to college students pursuing an internship?

It is never too early to start looking for internship opportunities. The quicker you get out there and start networking, the quicker you will build relationships and connections that will provide you with great knowledge and experience of the professional world, no matter the field. If you don’t know where to begin or have an idea but need some help, visit the career coaches Cheryl, Frank, Lori and Leah at Center for Career Development and branch out and make connections to people on LinkedIn who are in positions or have experience in companies you admire.