Golden LEAF Interns Jala Hill of Williamston and Emma Godwin of Wilson will graduate from East Carolina University in May 2025.
Hill served as an intern for the Scholarship Program for the Spring 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025 semesters. She is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Management.
Godwin served as an intern for External Affairs for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters. She is majoring in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Hospitality Management.
The interns have provided support in implementing the goals of the External Affairs team by compiling information for briefing sheets and articles, interviewing scholars and alumni, writing articles, and updating databases.
The Q&A below provides insight into their overall experience at Golden LEAF and how these experiences have supported their career choices.
What has your internship experience meant to you?
(Hill) My internship has been the most amazing experience for me. I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of something that’s bigger than myself. I’ve also grown so much personally, academically, and professionally. I was a Golden LEAF community college scholar at Martin Community College, and this internship experience allowed me to give back by supporting other Golden LEAF Scholars.
(Godwin) The Golden LEAF internship has meant that I was able to contribute to an organization making an impact in rural North Carolina. I have also gained a tremendous amount of experience in the field I love, while helping make a difference. Golden LEAF has felt like a family. I’ve always felt very supported, especially through things like applying to graduate school.
What have you learned from the internship that will benefit you after graduation?
(Hill) I have learned from this internship a variety of different skills that I will use in my future career. When I first started as an intern in my junior year of college, I did not know what I wanted to do after graduation. This internship allowed me to learn more about myself.
(Godwin) The internship helped me to slow down on a multistep project. I used to just jump in with both feet on an assignment, and sometimes I would miss an important task. The internship also helped me to learn how to solve problems independently. I was not always given exact step-by-step instructions, so this pushed me out of my comfort zone to figure out how I wanted to complete an assignment.
What are your plans after graduation?
(Hill) After graduation I plan to work for a year or two to pursue a full-time job related to my field of study. Then I’d like to either get a Master of Business Administration degree or a master’s degree in education. I am thinking right now I will be interested in a teaching career, which is what I want to pursue for the next couple of years to see if that is a good fit for me.
(Godwin) I plan to attend East Carolina University in the fall pursuing a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication. Then, I would love to take the skills and knowledge I’ve gained to work at a public relations agency to help with brand management.
What are three words you would use to describe your experience at Golden LEAF?
(Hill) Supportive. Understanding. Involved.
(Godwin) Positive. Insightful. Prepared.
What would you tell a new intern about working at Golden LEAF?
(Hill) Take advantage of networking. Use networking to help you find your next opportunity after the internship and put yourself out there, even when you aren’t confident yet. Come as you are but leave better than you came.
(Godwin) Working at Golden LEAF is an amazing experience. I want new interns to know you will grow so much. You are a part of something very impactful across the state. You will leave with so much more than you came to Golden LEAF with as far as both interpersonal and technical skills.