As a graduating college student, my worst nightmare was landing an internship where I’d spend my days pouring coffee and scrolling through the same document for hours on end. I was looking for something more – an opportunity where I could be genuinely involved, gain real-world experience, and make a meaningful impact. Luckily, that’s exactly what I found at White River State Park as a Governor’s Summer Intern.
While the program offers a wide range of positions, I was hired as an Events & Community Outreach Intern, a perfect fit for my major in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management. I was thrilled with the opportunity to get a running start into the industry!
From my very first day, I felt supported. The orientation was thorough and informative, helping me get up to speed quickly and comfortably. Everyone, from my directors and supervisors to my fellow interns, was incredibly welcoming. I could tell from the jump that I was in for a great experience.
As the summer continued, I became more and more familiarized with the park and its amazing attractions. I had the opportunity to explore many of the park’s top spots, including the Indianapolis Zoo, the Indiana State Museum, and live concerts at the Everwise Amphitheater. I also got to plan and execute an event with the other interns, contribute to marketing strategies, work on a variety of different projects, assist in overseeing events held in the park’s greenspace, and more. It’s been the perfect balance of work and fun! I’ve been able to learn about so many things that the city of Indianapolis has to offer.
One standout aspect of the program I should mention was the emphasis on preparing interns for life after the internship. Throughout the summer, our director and supervisors arranged site visits and networking opportunities with organizations across Indianapolis, helping us build valuable industry connections. These experiences have been huge in terms of shaping my next steps.
Looking back, I can confidently say that interning at White River State Park has been one of the most helpful parts of my college journey. It’s given me hands-on experience, new professional relationships, and the confidence I need as I take the next steps in my career! If you’re looking for a position where you can balance professional development, work, and fun, White River State Park is the place for you.
