How Internships Pave the Way for Career Success

In today’s highly competitive job market, standing out is crucial but difficult, with thousands of candidates often vying for a limited number of positions. One of the most effective ways for job seekers to differentiate themselves is by having an internship on their resume.

Not only does an internship provide valuable experience, but it also contributes significantly to professional development, helping candidates gain skills and insights that boost their employability. Internships also offer the chance to build a professional network, opening doors to new opportunities and connections. Plus, they allow college students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, turning theory into tangible skills.

Choosing the right internship is crucial. A well-designed internship offers the chance to gain relevant experience, develop key skills, and build connections within your desired industry. On the other hand, an ill-fitting internship can waste valuable time and may not provide the opportunities needed for long-term career success.

Why Actian is Different

Actian’s internship program is uniquely designed to offer more than just a traditional summer role. Interns are entrusted with real-world projects that allow them to take ownership and make lasting contributions to the company. Rather than performing routine tasks, interns focus on a substantial Capstone Project that challenges them to apply their skills, drive innovation, and leave a meaningful imprint on the organization. This hands-on approach fosters professional growth, allowing interns to develop both their technical and leadership skills.

Actian’s internship experience is structured for comprehensive learning and engagement. Each intern is paired with a dedicated buddy and guided through a personalized learning plan that includes setting and achieving specific goals. The program also offers opportunities for networking and exposure to company leadership through regular events, such as executive panels and Q&A sessions.

Actian ensures that interns not only gain valuable work experience but also enjoy a collaborative, enjoyable, and enriching internship experience. Through fun activities like virtual tie-dye events, virtual smores, and meeting in person for onboarding, interns can bond with their cohorts, ultimately leaving the intern experience with a network of peers they can lean on.

Moving From Intern to Employee

I came into Actian as a conversion rate optimization intern on the web team. My goal was to come up with several tests, from the colors on our website (within our brand guidelines of course) to headline options, to see which resonated the most. Eventually, based on these tests, we made major changes to our top trafficked pages to improve the amount of time visitors spent on our site and improve conversion across the site.

From the very beginning, my manager took the time to understand my strengths and areas for growth, offering personalized advice and constructive feedback. Both my manager and buddy helped me navigate challenges, improve my technical skills, and gain confidence in my decision-making abilities. Over time, I was able to see my conversion rate optimization (CRO) tests go live on the website and see real-time change in our web metrics. I could see and measure the impact I was having on an international website, which is something I never thought I would be able to do, let alone during an internship.

Beyond just supporting my professional development, my manager also encouraged me to think critically, be proactive, and approach problems creatively. Their experience and insights have not only broadened my perspective but have also inspired me to pursue my goals with more clarity and determination. Overall, the mentorship I received was an essential part of my growth and a key factor in making my internship a memorable and enriching experience.

At the end of my internship, I was given an amazing opportunity—a full-time job! I was invited to continue working at Actian. I transitioned onto the product marketing team to drive improvements across content operations.

As I’m coming up on my two-year anniversary as an Actian employee, I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today without the opportunities and experiences Actian gave me. My internship experience went far beyond what I expected—and even what I thought I could accomplish.

It gave me the skills I needed to take my learnings from the classroom into the real world to create impact and drive desired outcomes. It allowed me to become the marketing operations specialist that I am today—and enabled me to grow, develop as a professional, and gain confidence. All of this started with an internship.

Interested in taking your experience out of the classroom? Apply to be an intern.

About Savannah Bruggeman

Savannah Bruggeman is a dynamic and dedicated Marketing Operations Specialist at Actian. A recent graduate of Loyola University Chicago, Savannah has quickly become an integral part of the marketing team, bringing fresh ideas and a strong analytical skill set to the table. Savannah is passionate about streamlining marketing processes, optimizing campaigns, and leveraging data to drive decision-making. Her expertise in marketing tech, combined with a keen eye for detail, allows her to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the company’s marketing efforts.