By: Adam Jackson

Have you ever tried something new? Tackled an experience out of your comfort zone? This summer I was fortunate to have the opportunity to intern with Nyhus Communications, a strategic communication firm with a presence in Seattle, Washington D.C. and Beijing.

My internship is a part of Seattle Mayor Ed Murray’s Summer Youth at Work Initiative, the Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP). This summer the program placed 2,000 eligible youth and young adults with local companies to receive paid work experience in positions at various city departments and at private sector placements based on their career interests.

I had no idea what to expect from my first day, or what type of work I would be asked to do at a communications firm. During my time at Nyhus I was able to participate in strategy meetings and client calls, help develop content for the website and social media channels and assist with some of the agency’s events. Regardless of where I go in the future, the work I was assigned this summer will be an asset as I navigate the business world. The opportunity was more than a job placement. I was exposed to a company where every employee is part of the team, each day is different, even an intern can get exposure to world-class clients, and develop skills necessary for preforming in a fast paced company.

I hope my fellow SYEP interns had equally valuable opportunities this summer and are ready to take on the job market. Programs linking young people to internships, and job opportunities are becoming more popular and expansive, as there are many fields looking for qualified people to fill positions. I know firsthand that students are looking for more ways to get the competitive advantage over their peers, while at the same time having real experience at a company, engaging customers and partners. Interns are investments in a company’s future. It plants the seed, and exponentially increases the potential of results.

An internship is truly what you make of it. For me this summer was the opportunity to learn tangible skills, work beside industry professionals and be invited into the amazing agency culture.