Editor’s Note: Every year, on the last Thursday of July, we celebrate National Intern Day, dedicated to recognizing the hard work and contributions of those who bring fresh perspectives and new energy to the workplace. This year, we asked our Racer interns to share their experiences and passions. Join us in celebrating them.
Briefly introduce yourself and share a fun fact.
My name is Ashlynn Wang, and I am an incoming senior at University of California, Davis, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, with double minors in Technology Management and Professional Writing. I was born in Taiwan and raised between Hong Kong and the San Francisco Bay Area. I have also spent many summers in a city near Beijing, China. In my spare time, I enjoy live music, running, and re-watching La La Land. A fun fact about me is that I played the clarinet for eight years!
What inspired you to work in the communications field?
My multicultural upbringing shaped my enthusiasm for storytelling, in creative writing, media production, and design. I am drawn to the intersection of globalization and personal identity, as these have also been recurring themes I have grappled with throughout my life. The communications field also provides the opportunity to connect individuals, drive positive change, and challenge your creativity — which fascinates me. I hope to leverage my passion for words to help continue fostering inclusivity and empowering others to share their stories!
How do you stay up to date with the latest trends in our industry?
In a digitized and dynamic world, staying well-informed is crucial for any communications professional. Social media has also made it extremely accessible to receive news at your fingertips with platforms like Instagram and X. However, I find that my favorite way of staying updated on industry trends is by discussing with my peers and directly following sources like The New York Times and NPR.
What advice would you give future interns in communications?
I encourage all future interns to be proactive. Regardless of your background or experience, everyone has unique perspectives they can contribute to a team to help maximize efficiency and propel new ideas. I also recommend keeping a notebook, digital or physical, throughout your internship. This is a place for you to share your thoughts and can serve as a timeline for your progress and growth throughout your internship. Finally, I recommend viewing your internship experience as a sponge. You’re always one conversation, assignment, or meeting away from absorbing new information. Good luck and have fun!