Colin Boyd's Experience at Yorktown Crier

• What skills did you learn on the job?

Being in an actual work-environment helped prepare me with several applicable skills. Most of them regard to the real-world business implications of what it means to be a writer or designer. Communication is key, because you will be reaching out to many kinds of people, who will want different types of items written or designed. And even in the designing or writing process, you will be reaching out to these people, or your peers for input on how make the best work you could possibly make.

•  Which classes prepared you best for your internship? 

Absolutely Editing, because you would always being with someone else’s writing, and especially if they are inexperienced, you made need to politely correct them. Also my concentration electives have also been critical in teaching the specific skills that I needed for my writing and designing tasks.

• What professional growth have you witnessed since your internship?

The internship has prepared me professionally by showing me what I need to focus on in applicable situations. And those skills that you’ve learned while at JMU will not only be re-introduced, but also sometimes enhanced. And I’ve noticed that I’ve become much more professional and careful with my communication. 

• How has the internship experience shaped your learning philosophy?

It has shaped it by teaching me that there is always more to learn and adapt to. Much of what is done in the business environment isn’t learned through college textbooks, but rather through your interactions with your peers. That’s not to say your peer’s teachings are always correct or erkstasier though, that’s when your own education comes into play. 

• Have you been offered a full-time position?

No, but the Yorktown Crier is fully welcoming to me submitting any stories in the future, or working with them at any opportunity.