Today is July 25—National Intern Day! Here’s a fun fact about the day: It’s celebrated every last Thursday in July to recognize people of all ages who work as interns to get a foot in the door of their dream careers.
The PA Chamber is proud to promote internships for how they enrich people’s understanding of various career paths, help them learn both the “hard” skills of the jobs they wish to pursue and the “soft” skills that will help them succeed at work and in life (showing up on time, communicating effectively, and engaging professionally); and the “win-win” nature of how internships benefit both job seekers and employers.
Summertime is a perfect time for many people to engage in internships, and paid internship programs are a rewarding way for businesses to offer them a hands-on learning experience. Whether you’re able to accommodate an intern at your place of business for four weeks or 12, having an intern can help with your day-to-day operations, provide a fresh perspective to a challenge or issue you’re working to resolve, or offer new insights and ideas that you hadn’t yet integrated into your workplace!
We’re proud to spotlight the PA Chamber’s 2024 Summer Intern, Ean Morrison, who you can learn more about in the snapshot below.
Tell us a little bit about your background, where you’re from, and what you’re studying in school.
I feel fortunate to have had amazing experiences this summer with the Government Affairs team at the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and as a recruiting intern for the Penn State Football Program in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) department. I am from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a graduate of Cumberland Valley High School and am entering my junior year as an Economics student at Penn State University. I’m thoroughly enjoying my academic journey and the vibrant campus life. In my free time, you’ll often find me on the golf course, working out at the gym, cooking healthy meals, or cheering on the Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium.
What would you ultimately like to pursue as a career?
I’d like to pursue a career in investment and asset management. My interests include following the stock market, analyzing the qualities of successful businesses, and helping others achieve financial freedom. I manage my own small investment portfolio and prioritize staying informed about current events in both the business and political spheres. Understanding these industries and how they tie together is vital for thorough investment analysis.
What has your experience been like interning at the PA Chamber? Can you share any stories about the interdepartmental experiences you’ve had here?
My experience at the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry has been highly rewarding. The knowledge I have gained and the firsthand experience helping Pennsylvania become more competitive have been invaluable. One of the highlights of my summer was a visit to the State Capitol, where I witnessed Governor Shapiro sign the Clean Slate bill into law. It was incredible to see the culmination of the long and intense bill creation process, with the legislation passing through the House and Senate and finally getting signed by the Governor.
The interdepartmental aspect of the PA Chamber has helped me gain valuable knowledge in various areas. With the Government Affairs team, I have the opportunity to read and analyze bills and amendments and contribute to memos evaluating the impact of these policies on the business community. In the Public Affairs department, I assist with drafting articles for our members that detail legislative developments and their implications for Pennsylvania businesses. Additionally, my work with the Pennsylvania Chamber’s Political Action Committee involves researching candidates for open seats and assessing their positions on key business issues.
How do you believe your internship with us will help you pursue your future goals?
This summer’s internship at the Chamber has shown me how an effective team works together. Everyone in this office is working towards a common goal of helping Pennsylvania businesses grow and prosper. Observing how an energetic and passionate work environment contributes to business success has set a valuable benchmark for my future career. My work this summer on helping to improve the treatment of Net Operating Losses for Pennsylvania’s employer community – one of the Chamber’s primary objectives that we successfully advocated for in the state budget – was an amazing example of how policy can stimulate an economy. This practical knowledge will help me in my field of interest and also help determine what a successful business looks like, whether as an employee or an investor, and the overall PA Chamber intern experience will help me determine what to look for in companies where I might have an opportunity to work in the future.
What would you like other students to know who might be interested in pursuing an internship like yours?
As the Vice President of Academics for my fraternity at Penn State, I assist members with writing their résumés, filling out their LinkedIn profiles, and submitting their internship applications. I advise those seeking internships in their chosen field to prepare thoroughly and early. Ensure all your application materials are in order, and take the time to reach out to individuals who can aid you in your internship search. A personalized message can make a significant impact. Once you secure an internship, the key to maximizing your experience is to demonstrate strong effort. Engage in as many projects as possible and collaborate with different people to gain valuable insights and learn from their expertise. As soon as you feel ready to start applying for your first internship, go for it! The harder you work, the more you will learn.