SECU Summer Internship Program participants share advice for Niners
The SECU Summer Internship Program at Charlotte is designed to connect interested, talented undergraduate students with local leadership to obtain meaningful on-the-job experience with a local agency or organization. These opportunities allow Charlotte SECU Public Fellows Interns to give back to the community, while providing unique learning opportunities.
Five Niners from the latest cohort share their advice for fellow Charlotte students ready to take on internship experiences.
Rachel Eaton
Communication Studies
Social Media Intern at Work Meaningful Foundation
Eaton led all digital communications for the nonprofit focused on community empowerment. She developed a content strategy, grew engagement and learned to navigate branding challenges while working remotely. The experience strengthened her interest in media, storytelling and collaborative nonprofit work.
Advice for Niners: “Go in with confidence and a ready-to-learn mindset!”
Betiel Berhe
Public Health
Community Engagement Intern at International House in Charlotte
Berhe helped clients with immigration questions, scheduling services and translating for Eritrean families. She also worked on a student ambassador program and attended a branding workshop hosted by Chase Bank. Her work was a blend of communication, professionalism and cultural advocacy.
Advice for Niners: “Stay open-minded and take initiative. You might come in expecting to do simple tasks, but there are so many opportunities to grow if you’re willing to ask questions, get involved and step outside your comfort zone.”
Bruno Salvi
Civil Engineering
Engineering Intern for the City of Statesville
Salvi analyzed and updated infrastructure documentation for water, sewer and street systems for the municipality. His work contributed directly to modernizing the city’s development standards. Salvi also formed valuable connections to support his long-term career interest in motorsports engineering.
Advice for Niners: “Make the most of your internship by connecting with as many professionals as possible and taking every opportunity for a new experience.”
Keziah Cole
Communications Studies
Media and Production Intern at Creative Cornerstone in Charlotte
Cole helped lead filmmaking camps for students interested in acting, directing and music. She guided kids through the storytelling and filming processes while supporting group collaboration. Her experience strengthened her communication, leadership and creativity while empowering young people to share their voices through film.
Advice for Niners: “Be your true, authentic self during your interview. During your internship approach tasks, big and small, with 100% effort. You never know who’s watching or where those efforts could lead you. Also, take advantage of every opportunity to network and build connections.”
Ayushi Inamdar
Public Health
Operations and Vocational Intern at Champion House of Care in Charlotte
Inamdar held a hybrid role with Champion House of Care in Charlotte that included managing social media, coordinating summer camp programming and supporting a food pantry that served local families. She gained office and community-facing experience while preparing for a career in occupational therapy. Her internship offered both practical skills and powerful insights into service leadership.
Advice for Niners: “Enjoy it because it goes by so fast”