More Than a Requirement: Why Internships are a Signature Feature of the Queens Experience

At Queens University of Charlotte, the path to graduation is more than just classroom learning – it’s about access to real-world experiences. Queens students are required to complete an internship before they graduate. Undergraduates often secure these opportunities by working with the team in Queens’ Vandiver Center for Career Development, an integral part of the university that is dedicated to supporting students through this process.

“By combining employer-taught training with meaningful internship experiences, Queens prepares students to be career-ready,” said Angela Tsuei-Strause, executive director of the Vandiver Center for Career Development. “This hands-on approach, woven into our academic and co-curricular offerings, gives Queens students a distinct advantage as they transition into the professional world.”

The internship requirement is an important element of the Queens curriculum, ensuring every student leaves with hands-on experience, professional connections, and a clear vision for their future. It is the primary way Queens moves students toward being professionally prepared. But what is the true value of an internship?

We recently connected with two students who shared how their experiences transformed their academic journeys:

Madi Clack ’26: Finding Clarity Through Exploration

For Madi Clack ’26, a native of Burlington, NC, the internship requirement was a chance to test different career paths.

“Completing an internship before graduating is important because it provides insight into what kind of career you may want in the future,” said Clack. “As a personal example, my internship reinforced my desire to pursue a career in conservation and helped me narrow down which specific conservation path I wanted to continue after graduating.”

Clack pursued her passion for conservation by interning at Discovery Place Science in the heart of Charlotte. Her experience taught her vital transferable skills. “During my internship, I learned valuable lessons in time management and communication. These are things that I will need to apply in any aspect post-grad, whether at graduate school or a career in conservation.”

Her advice for students approaching the internship search is rooted in thoughtful self-assessment. “When figuring out what type of internship to pursue, think about the types of careers you’re interested in,” she said. “During my time at Queens, I completed two internships. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been able to compare careers in plant conservation and animal conservation. Exploring both paths helped set me on the right path for the future.”

For the organizations working with these students, the goal is to provide a foundation that lasts far beyond a single semester. “An internship is often a student’s first step into the professional world, and Discovery Place is proud to help shape that journey by teaching skills that foster curiosity, responsibility, and lifelong learning,” said Elliot Provance, senior director of collections at Discovery Place. “Internships with the Living Collections team provide students with practical, transferable skills that serve them well long after their time at the museum.”

Bella Swanson ’26: The Power of Flexibility and Connection

Bella Swanson ’26, hailing from Elmhurst, Illinois, sees the internship requirement as a critical bridge between academic life and professional success.

“Internships allow you to gain hands-on experience that gives you a glimpse of what your future career could be, while also building valuable networks and helping you develop your skills and professional relationships,” she said.

As a graphic design student, Swanson gained valuable agency experience as a graphic design intern at Pinckney Harmon. Her biggest takeaway was the importance of human connection and continuous learning.

“The most important thing I learned is the value of being open to new experiences, whether it’s an invitation to lunch with a coworker or constructive feedback on a project,” said Swanson. “I also learned not to be afraid to ask questions. Doing so not only ensured that I was on the right track, but it also helped me build stronger connections with my colleagues.”

For younger students starting their journey, Swanson emphasizes the need for resilience and a “can-do” attitude. “Stay adaptable,” she said. “Being flexible helps you stay productive, and it also makes others more eager to work with you because you can multitask and adjust to different situations.”

Swanson’s proactive mindset is precisely why local business leaders value the Queens partnership. “Working with Queens University of Charlotte allows us to connect with talented, motivated students who bring fresh ideas and energy to our work,” said Glenn Harmon, partner at Pinckney Harmon. “Internships and networking events help us build real relationships with students, offer hands-on experience, and help shape the next generation of creative professionals.”

These student experiences highlight the true purpose of the Queens internship requirement. It’s not just a box to check – it’s the bridge that transforms students into prepared, connected, and career-ready professionals.