Interns wrap semester with new skills refined at Marshall Economic Development

The best internships prepare students for their future careers by providing on-the-job experience and skill development. At Marshall Economic Development, two fall semester interns chosen via a competitive search are closing this chapter in their education with a better understanding of Marshall and career opportunities in the community. Internships provide local businesses with workers eager to learn and can help grow Marshall’s skilled workforce through talent retention as former interns graduate from local colleges.

Meet Marshall Economic Development’s fall 2024 interns

Amber Thibodeaux, a graduating senior at East Texas Baptist University majoring in Marketing Management, is completing an internship in marketing, and David Newell, a sophomore at Wiley University studying Business Administration, focused on economic research and development for the term. Through the internships, both students felt they had the opportunity to learn and develop new skills while staying committed to their studies.

“As the marketing intern, I designed brochures and flyers, and I’m currently working on a booklet for Marshall Economic Development as well as designing RSVPs for the Career Expo we’re doing in 2025,” Thibodeaux said. “I do a lot of designing, a lot of organizing, and a lot of social media posts.” 
For Newell, a typical day at work was split into two shifts to accommodate classes. After logging in and checking emails, he focuses on projects, including background research for presentations and identifying potential industries to recruit to Marshall. He also attends staff meetings, council meetings, and other events. 

Amber Thibodeaux - Marketing Intern, Fall 2024

David Newell II - Economic Research and Development Intern, Fall 2024

The internship experience for students

“I’ve enjoyed that this internship is very hands-on,” Newell explained. “We’re not disconnected from the main workflow of everybody else who works here. We’re aiding and supporting them, and they support us as well. We’re not just doing ‘busy work.’ We’re actually doing work that is impacting not only this organization but also Marshall. We can see it in practice.” 

Thibodeaux’s stint in marketing followed spending her spring semester as a research intern, and she echoed the dynamic aspect of the positions.

“I never had something I did that wasn’t impactful in some way,” Thibodeaux explained. “Even though we are interns for a specific role, we still get to work with everybody. I feel like I really have learned something, and I think it is a great step for me as I graduate and enter the true workforce. I feel Iike I’ve gotten a really good feel for how to do marketing and how to actually work for a corporation or an organization.” 

Preparing for the workforce

Mastering soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, is as essential for workplace success as more technical skills. Newell said Robert Andrade, Business Retention-Expansion and Workforce Development Manager, and Rush Harris, Executive Director, helped him with both.

“They have worked with us to develop our business skills, from putting together professional flyers or presentations to working on public speaking, how we carry ourselves, and how we dress,” Newell continued. “They are involved and really help support us and foster our business knowledge and culture.”

Thibodeaux described it as accountability provided respectfully and said she truly looked forward to coming to work each day. The experience left her interested in economic development as a career.

“Before, I would say this was not a field I was considering because I didn’t know the field existed,” she explained. “But after being here, I foresee myself looking, if not staying, in economic development. One thing that’s really great about this job is you’re constantly building, you’re constantly growing, and you’re making connections. I would love to stay here, but I definitely want to continue economic development if possible.” 

Internships help train and retain talent for Marshall

“Our internships have provided Amber and David with practical skills and work experience complementing their studies at local universities,” Executive Director Rush Harris said. “Meanwhile, they brought fresh perspectives to our office and collaborated on major projects we have in development. Their contributions were invaluable. Internships provide an excellent opportunity for local companies to help develop and retain talent in Marshall. Our goal is to assist with creating more internships in the city so students at our four colleges can experience local career opportunities.” 

Interested in hosting an internship at your business? Contact Marshall Economic Development to learn more.