Students reflect on learning, growth, and opportunity this National Intern Day
From engineering at a bustling international airport to nonprofit service in Charleston and financial analytics in Italy, Presbyterian College students have spent their summer gaining real-world experience in fields as diverse as health care, law, sales, and data science.
In total, 35 PC students participated in internships during the summer of 2025, according to the Office of Career and Professional Development. Their internships reflect a broad range of industries and interests, including allied health, banking, engineering, marketing, nonprofit work, and even professional soccer. While more than half of the interns stayed in South Carolina, students also worked in eight other states—from Florida to New York to Texas—and one intern even crossed the Atlantic to work in Italy.
In honor of National Intern Day, observed on July 31, Presbyterian College is celebrating the accomplishments and ambitions of these dedicated students—and the employers who support them.
A Path to Employment
For senior Panos Burlos, a member of the Blue Hose football team, an internship at NBI Financial Group LLC in Charlotte turned into more than just a summer job—it became a stepping stone to a full-time career.
“Panos did an amazing job and received a standing job offer post-graduation,” said Nick Campo ’11, a PC alumnus and managing partner at NBI. “Our internship program focuses on creating a competitive environment that teaches real-life business skills each intern will be able to apply in their post-college careers.”
Campo emphasized that the company, which is rebranding as Finaya following a merger with a Silicon Valley-based AI firm, has welcomed PC interns annually since May 2023. He added, “This is not one of those internships where the student runs errands and grabs coffee. The top 10 percent of interns based on our metrics receive a standing offer to come aboard full-time post-graduation with extremely competitive, above-market pay.”
Support from Alumni and Employers
PC’s internship program also benefits from alumni engagement. World Finance, owned by alumni Chad ‘02 and Pam ‘02 Prashad, welcomed Ryan Luna and Vanessa Palisin as interns this summer, continuing the Prashads’ support for current Blue Hose looking to launch their careers.
At BMW, Carlos Mercado Jiminez took on the role of financial controlling intern in the company’s TX-71 department. Carlos worked alongside full-time controllers, contributing to projects and learning valuable analytical tools.
“What I’ve enjoyed about the internship is all the people I have worked with and how they are very welcoming and understanding of me being new and learning,” Carlos said. “I’ve learned a lot of technical skills like Power BI and Excel VBA for automation.”
Growth in Grit and Determination
Not all internships start easy—but some of the most rewarding journeys come from overcoming challenges.
Sydney Lassiter, who interned with Vector Marketing, had to grow into her role. But she did so with determination, ultimately ranking among the best in the nation.
“If there were an award for Most Improved Player, it would go to Sydney,” said district manager Alex Bolles. “She came into the job with incredible personal habits—disciplined, driven, and focused—but initially struggled to translate those strengths into success. What makes Sydney stand out isn’t that things came easy to her, but that she kept showing up, kept pushing, and kept growing. By the end of the summer, she was a top three sales rep in one of the top offices in the nation. Her journey is proof that consistency and grit beat comfort every time.”
Discovering a Career Path
Some internships are transformative in helping students discover their passions. That was certainly the case for Keith Elmore, a junior from Summerville who interned with the engineering department at Charleston International Airport.
“I’ve decided to pursue a career in structural engineering,” he said. “I was able to decipher what I wanted to do with my career due to the internship.”
His supervisor, Nathan Yokoya, praised Elmore’s contributions in a glowing LinkedIn post.
“What stood out most about Keith was his professionalism, enthusiasm, and exceptional people skills—qualities that made him a great fit with staff in all departments,” Yokoya wrote. “He didn’t just observe—he engaged, asked the right questions, and earned the respect of the team. Any organization will be lucky to have him after graduation.”
Yokoya noted that Elmore’s summer experience wasn’t just about blueprints and building materials—it was about seeing how design and engineering connect to safety, operations, and collaboration across airport stakeholders from airlines to TSA and Customs. “Supporting future leaders like Keith isn’t just good for the individual—it strengthens the entire industry.”
Keith returns to PC this fall as a student-athlete, resuming his role as a safety on the football team.
Finding Confidence and Purpose
For Charleston resident Lauren Smoak, an internship at Charleston Youth Mission (CYM) combined service, leadership, and learning.
“This summer I worked at Charleston Youth Mission … a faith-based organization that invites youth groups from around the country to spend a week in Charleston serving various nonprofits,” she said. “As a CYM intern, I led kids in discussions on how to best see and support the underprivileged neighbors in their communities and advocate for a better, more just society.”
Smoak helped lead service efforts that included harvesting food, preparing meals, cleaning beaches, and assisting with yard work for those in need. The experience left a lasting impression.
“I developed confidence in leadership and decision-making skills and grew in my knowledge of the world, the people in it, and the societal systems we have created,” she said.
Pushing Boundaries, Opening Doors
Lyla Chadd embraced a high-energy role in door-to-door sales as an intern with ClearDefense Pest Control in Charleston. She found the job through PC’s Summer Jobs Fair and the Handshake career platform—a system students can use to search for jobs and schedule coaching sessions with career staff.
“I had the opportunity to challenge myself daily, work alongside an incredible team, and sharpen my communication and leadership skills,” Lyla said. “Grateful for the experience, the growth, and the memories.”
Seeing the Bigger Picture
Spencer Wieters, a senior from Abbeville, spent his summer interning at SouthState Bank, where he gained insight into the breadth of banking and the human connections that fuel it.
“I have truly enjoyed my time at South State Bank,” he said. “I’ve been able to firmly grasp what a bank offers and the different avenues I can pursue. I have realized how important fostering strong relationships with others is in the banking world, and I have been very lucky to meet some amazing individuals along my journey.”
Internships Pay Off
According to Lynn Downie, associate director of career and professional development, most PC interns this summer were paid $15 an hour or more, a sign of employers investing in meaningful roles—not just menial tasks. As noted in the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) guidelines and U.S. Department of Labor regulations, paid internships are a recognized best practice that improves workplace outcomes and ensures equity and compliance.
For the Class of 2024, that approach paid off: 20 PC graduates—about 10% of the class—were hired by the same employers who hosted them as interns.
Tools and Guidance for Success
PC students benefit from a full suite of support services through the Center for Career & Professional Development. Resources include:
- Handshake, a job board and internship search tool.
- One-on-one advising sessions with staff like Downie and Kim Lane, associate dean and director of career and professional development, to help students identify, pursue, and prepare for opportunities that align with their goals.
- Workshops, networking events, and résumé coaching that go beyond simple application advice.
Students who engage with the Career Center early and consistently are shown to have measurably stronger post-graduate outcomes, staff say.
And for those thinking ahead: applications are already open for Summer 2026 internships, especially at top-tier companies with long recruiting cycles. Rising juniors are encouraged to begin the process now.
Investing in the Future
Internships do more than build résumés—they spark passion, clarify career paths, and forge lifelong professional relationships.
Whether they’re analyzing finances at BMW, mentoring youth in Charleston, selling pest control door-to-door, or helping run an international airport, Presbyterian College students are making their mark.
As National Intern Day shines a light on the importance of early career experiences, PC celebrates the curiosity, commitment, and courage of its students—and the dedicated mentors and alumni helping them thrive.
