After developing an admiration for editing from her professional writing courses at MSU, Rachel Gignac completed a virtual internship as a Publishing and Communications Intern with Publishing ByChelle, an Australian-based publication that produces in-flight magazines for Australian airlines. The internship allowed the recent Professional and Public Writing alumna to receive hands-on experience with writing and editing before graduating this past spring.
Also working as a Publishing and Communications Intern for Publishing ByChelle was Sylvia Hodges, a junior English major. Both Gignac and Hodges received their internships by applying for the Global Remote Internship Program through the Excel Network and they both wrote for the digital magazine, Truly Aus, as part of their internships.
“My articles all encompassed the theme of Australian travel, each with a unique angle that could help travelers with trips, like restaurants, attractions, and road trip routes,” Gignac said. “The process was a bit intimidating because I was writing about a country that I had never been to. I had to do a lot of research but had an incredible editor and mentor who helped me along the way.”
During the internship, Hodges wrote four articles and gained research experience while working closely with her supervisor. She said she felt supported even in a virtual setting.
“I loved working with an international company. Even though I couldn’t be there in person, I still had a great experience working with them,” she said. “I had two great supervisors and there was another intern from MSU at the same time, so we all made a great team and I felt constant support.”
I loved working with an international company. Even though I couldn’t be there in person, I still had a great experience working with them.
Sylvia Hodges
As a Publishing and Communications Intern, Gignac learned how to use programs like WordPress, how to format and edit writing, and navigated social media management. Since she is interested in working in the publishing industry, she found her experience to be greatly rewarding.
“I already had a part-time editing job when I found out about the Global Remote internship. I could have passed it up, but I’m so glad I didn’t,” Gignac said. “From trying something different, I learned things I didn’t know I needed to learn. Now I know that new opportunities can lead to things you didn’t know you wanted.”
Hodges also found her internship with Publishing ByChelle to be a valuable learning experience.
“I loved working with their team, and I truly enjoyed the work I did,” she said. “I would highly encourage all students to apply for several internships so they can see what they like to do. Picking a career path can be difficult, so it’s important to see your options and actually experience what you think you may want to pursue.”
From trying something different, I learned things I didn’t know I needed to learn. Now I know that new opportunities can lead to things you didn’t know you wanted.
Rachel Gignac
Gignac studied abroad in Rome, Italy, her sophomore year and the idea of an international remote internship piqued her interest after receiving an email from the Excel Network about the Global Remote Internship Program.
“I thought it would be an awesome experience and a great addition to my resume, so I applied on the spot,” Gignac said. “Dan Meier, (Director of the Excel Network), helped me apply and answered all of my questions.”
Hodges also received help from the Excel Network on updating her resume and interviewing skills.
“The resources the Excel Network offers are truly invaluable to students and are so easy to access,” she said.
For more information on the Global Remote Internship Program, visit the Excel Network website.
