Internships are a vital way to allow companies to fill positions and enable students to gain real-world experience and skills needed to be successful. Obtaining an academic degree is just one aspect of career development. The latest internship statistics show that pursuing practical knowledge before employment gives job seekers a competitive edge in the labor market. Most employers aren’t interested in grades or test results. They want to see skills, a good work ethic, and eagerness to learn.  

Internships offer a realistic approach to career exploration and employee experience. They’re a great way to get out of one’s comfort zone and into the world and to soften the blow upon entering the workforce for the first time. (shortlister, 2024)

Interview with ZLINE Intern, Alexis:

Here’s what the ZLINE intern, Alexis had to say in a recent interview:

How did you find the internship opportunity at ZLINE?

I found my internship on LinkedIn! I applied and the rest is history.

How long were you an intern before you became an employee?

I started as an intern in September of 2020 and then started full time when I graduated from college in May 2021.

What were some of your biggest takeaways from your internship?

I learned SO much from my internship. Some examples include basic things like how an office works but further into my internship, I started to learn which KPIs are the most important for social media, public relations, and marketing as a whole. There is only so much you can learn in school, I found my internship to be so beneficial to see how a business works and to be directly apart of it.

How do you think the internship will be/has been beneficial to you as an employee?

I learned a lot about ZLINE before becoming a full-time employee. I began to understand the ins and outs, the culture, and more about working in PR and social media. It gave me a chance to see if it was right for me.

If you could give one piece of advice to a student thinking about doing an internship, what would it be?

My best piece of advice would be to try as many internships as you can. Of course the experience and knowledge gained is beneficial, but its also about figuring out which industry you are most interested in. I would never have expected to be working in kitchen appliances, and I have been here for almost four years and love it! The most important thing is to have an open mind and get as much experience as you can before you graduate.

Are you a student looking for an internship opportunity like the ones available here? Reach out to Tarah Evans, Regional School Liaison at WorkLivePlayRenoTahoe.com. To learn more about ongoing internship opportunities and job placement after graduation. Visit the Student section of our website or, sign up for the monthly newsletter and receive updates on internship opportunities. Text RENO to 42828 to subscribe now! Don’t miss out on this chance to jumpstart your career. Message and data rates may apply.