#NDSUintern Spotlight: Ashley Peifer

Major: Strategic Communications

Company: NDSU Career and Advising Center

Location of Internship: Fargo, ND

Internship Title: Events and Marketing Intern

    • Why did you choose the company that you work for and How did you find your internship?
      • As a sophomore in college last year, I did not really know what I wanted to do for my future career. I was open to anything that pertained to my interests such as connecting/communicating with new people, social media, marketing, and event planning. One day, I got an email sent to my NDSU account about the Events and Marketing Intern position that was hiring at the NDSU Career and Advising Center. After reading the job description and requirements, it seemed like a perfect fit, so I reached out for an interview.
  • What are you responsible for at your internship?
  • I am responsible for many tasks at the Career and Advising Center. I assist the employer engagement team with the planning and execution of the various events put on by the NDSU career and advising center. I also coordinate with student organizations and help promote the events through both on-line and off-line marketing campaigns. A big part of my role pertains to developing content for the different social media platforms in order to encourage involvement and better connect with current students, alumni, and the NDSU community.
  • What is your favorite part about your internship experience?
    • My favorite part about my internship thus far has been the number of amazing people I have met and the freedom to let my creativity be shown through my work. I am always excited to go into the office and be greeted by the friendly faces of my co-workers and peers. I have learned so much from everyone around me and I’m very grateful for that.
  • What is the most challenging part of your internship? How have you overcome these obstacles? 
    • The most challenging part of my internship was at the beginning. I felt overwhelmed as I had never worked in an office setting before. I did not want to mess up or step on anyone’s toes, so I was very nervous and cautious. Luckily, I work with such a great team that has taught me how to overcome these obstacles and encourage me to always do my best. Since then, I have settled in very well and gained a lot of confidence in the workplace.
  • How has your internship benefited you? 
    • My Internship has been incredibly beneficial for my future in strategic communications. I learned that I have definitely selected the right major for me. I have found that I have a profound passion to make a genuine connection with whoever I am speaking with. I have gained confidence to socialize professionally with others outside of my age group. I am capable of being independent while working on my many tasks and using my best judgment to complete those projects to the best of my ability. I’ve understood the hard work it takes to be in a career of events and marketing. I feel very confident that I would have no problem excelling at my future communication career after college.
  • What advice would you give a student who is in the process of applying to an internship?
    • My advice to others considering an internship is DO IT! You must put yourself outside of your comfort zone in order to grow and achieve new goals. Trust me, it will be a great learning experience that can only help you! I never thought I would be here or this is what I would be doing, but it was definitely the best choice I could have ever made!

By Ashley Peifer
Ashley Peifer Events and Marketing Intern