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. In fact, 38% of employers run ongoing recruitment campaigns for interns throughout the year. (ISE, 2022). Whereas 94.9% of employers say that internships and co-ops are “very” or “extremely” important. Internships present an effective pathway to finding employment in nearly every industry across the nation. With more and more businesses requiring internship experience, find the best internship that fits your area of interest and skills. Here is one of the stories of Marus who went from intern to employee at Fit Learning.

Interview with Fit Learning Intern, Marcus:

Here’s what the Fit Learning intern, Marcus had to say in a recent interview:

How did you find the internship opportunity at Fit Learning?

I like to tell people that the internship found me haha. The director of my program encouraged me to check out Fit Learning while I was an undergraduate teaching assistant. I had the Director of Fit Learning Reno come and talk to the Undergraduate Behavior Analysis Club. I had another Director give a guest lecture in my Child Psychology class and a Fit Reno Advisor taught my capstone course.  I just had so many opportunities to interact and learn from some of the best educators that every road seemed to lead to Fit Learning.

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

In a technical sense, it took 3 months. In a more human sense, I felt like a full employee within 2 weeks. Everyone was so supportive of my growth and learning that I felt fully integrated into the culture very quickly.

What were some of your biggest takeaways from your internship?

How to deal with adversity. How to communicate what I needed as an employee. How to set a large goal, break it down into measurable smaller steps, and how to rise to the challenge.

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

I owe a lot to this internship. It kickstarted my entire career. I can honestly say that because I started this internship, I’ve become a better clinician, researcher, employee, and a better person. I’ve learned skills that are important to my field, data analytics, experimental design, curriculum design, and behavior analytic principles. Perhaps more importantly, I’ve learned skills that have made me a better person. How to give/receive feedback, how to form strong relationships personally and professionally, how to be a professional, and how to handle adversity. It’s made me into the person I am today.

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

Do it! No matter what field you’re going into, it’s a valuable experience for your resume. It can be such a great opportunity to get a credible letter of recommendation in your field. It also gives you a low-risk chance to experiment with what kind of career you may want in the future.  It’s like trying on a hat. The hat might not fit, and you might need to try a different hat. The hat might need to be worn for a while before it’s comfortable. Maybe the hat is the worst hat in the world. No worries, go try another hat but maybe, just maybe, that hat will be perfect, and you’ll find yourself wearing that hat 6 years later…

Why Internships Matter

In conclusion, internships are a crucial stepping stone for both companies and students to achieve success. With employers recognizing the importance of internships in preparing future employees, it is evident that these experiences are a key factor in launching a successful career. As shown through Marcus’s journey from intern to employee at Fit Learning, internships provide valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth. Students should not hesitate to pursue internships, as they offer a unique chance to gain insight into their future career paths and make meaningful connections in the industry. By embracing the challenges and opportunities that internships provide, students can set themselves up for a successful and fulfilling career ahead.

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.