Student Internship Spotlight: Shannon King
Class of 2024
Major:
Interdisciplinary Studies (History)
Internship:
Duration:
Two months
Location:
Dublin, Ireland
What were your primary duties and responsibilities?
Marsh’s Library is Ireland’s oldest public library, and is a tourist attraction as well as museum. I played a lot of different roles, from archivist to tour guide. I gave tours to visitors, talked to them about specific books we had and set up themed displays highlighting unique books the Library helps preserve. Mainly, I educated visitors on the displays and the museum’s history.
How did this internship experience help you grow personally and professionally?
The experience helped me improve my adaptation and analysis skills as I had to focus on how to educate others on historical topics. It taught me to actually analyze primary sources and interpret Old English, which was something I hadn’t really had the opportunity to do before. It also helped me grow professionally. Interning abroad in a completely different country with new people and an unfamiliar environment forced me to open up more and learn to adapt to change. That helped me mature and grow as a person. I learned something new every single day I worked and lived in Ireland. It was an amazing experience.
What was it like going abroad for your internship?
This was my first time going abroad, ever! I was so terrified before I went, but I ended up loving it. I got the chance to travel all over Ireland and the U.K. and really experience what it was like to be independent. I got to create a new life for myself for a little while, and that really helped me grow into the person that I want to be. My eyes were opened in so many ways, and I learned so much about myself and what I want out of life. It really helped build my courage and confidence because if I can cross the ocean and work in a completely different country, then I can do anything! It was so rewarding to make all of those discoveries about myself and the world.
Were you able to utilize Marymount’s Center for Career Development?
I used the Center for Career Development for résumé prep while looking for an internship and for future job placements. They helped build my résumé and make it look more professional. My hiring process at Marsh’s Library was really easy, and I think that’s because my résumé looked great. It would’ve been much more of a challenge if I hadn’t had those resources that the Center for Career Development offered.
What would you say to other students considering interning or studying abroad?
I would say do it, even if it seems scary. I think fear is the reason a lot of people don’t go abroad — they are scared to leave campus and broaden their college experience. That was my case, but this was one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my life. It really changes your perspective on life and the world and how you fit into all of it. It’s really worth it, and I would recommend it to anyone.
