Learning Implications

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Through this internship, I learned a great deal about myself both personally and professionally. One of the biggest realizations was how much I enjoy working on projects that combine creativity, research, and community impact. I discovered that I thrive in environments that allow for both independent problem-solving and collaboration. I also learned that I am more adaptable than I previously thought — whether it was adjusting to new project deadlines, learning new software tools, or communicating with a variety of different stakeholders, I found that I could meet challenges with resilience and a positive attitude.

 

Personally, I felt that I grew most in my self-confidence and professional communication skills. Early in the internship, I was hesitant to voice my ideas in meetings or ask questions. Over time, with the encouragement of my supervisor and team members, I found my voice and learned that thoughtful contributions were welcomed and valued. This growth has made me feel much more prepared for my future career, where strong communication will be essential.

 

In terms of the field of tourism and events as a profession, I gained a new appreciation for how complex and strategic it really is. Prior to the internship, I mostly thought of tourism marketing as focused on advertising attractions. However, I learned that destination development is about so much more — it involves careful planning, stakeholder engagement, infrastructure investments, public policy, branding, and even social equity initiatives. Tourism professionals must balance economic goals with community well-being, sustainability, and inclusivity, making it a deeply multifaceted and rewarding field.

 

The skills that were most important for my internship included research and analysis, project management, relationship-building, and marketing communication. I often had to synthesize information from different sources, assess needs and opportunities for neighborhoods or attractions, and present recommendations in clear, compelling ways.

 

This internship has had a lasting impact on me. Personally, I am more confident, more organized, and better equipped to manage my time effectively. Professionally, it has given me a clearer vision of the kind of work I want to pursue. I now know that I want to work in destination management or tourism development, ideally for an organization that values innovation and community partnerships as much as Visit Indy does.

  

Critique

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The internship met and, in many ways, exceeded my personal expectations. I hoped to gain real-world experience, but I ended up gaining much more — mentorship, professional connections, and a sense of purpose in the tourism field. I appreciated that Visit Indy treated me as a valued team member rather than just an intern. I was given meaningful projects, asked for my input, and trusted to represent the organization at external meetings.

 

I do feel that I contributed to my internship site. One of the projects I am most proud of was assisting in the enhancement of the White Riverway Rewards Pass. I got to see the initial phases and then launch the 2025 version of the pass. It was rewarding to know that my work would have a lasting impact beyond the semester and I hope to see some of the enhancements in the 2026 version as weel.

 

If I could change one thing about my internship, it would be to have had the opportunity to spend more time on-site visiting the various neighborhoods and attractions we were promoting. While I did attend several site visits and community meetings, scheduling conflicts and weather sometimes limited in-person experiences. I believe even more hands-on exploration would have deepened my understanding of the city’s assets and challenges even further.

 

For students preparing for this specific internship, my biggest piece of advice would be: Be proactive and ask for as many experiences as you can! Visit Indy is full of opportunities, and the team is supportive of interns who take initiative. If there is a particular area of tourism or destination development that interests you, don’t hesitate to express that. The more engaged you are, the more you will get out of the experience. I would also advise future interns to brush up on research and presentation skills ahead of time — they will definitely come in handy.

 

Finally, I would absolutely recommend this internship site to future students. Visit Indy provides a professional, supportive, and inspiring environment where students can grow and explore the tourism industry from a variety of angles. The projects are meaningful, the staff are passionate and welcoming, and the experience will help lay the foundation for a successful career in tourism, events, marketing, or economic development.

 

Interning with Visit Indy was one of the most impactful experiences of my academic and professional journey so far. It confirmed my passion for tourism development, strengthened my skills, and opened doors to future opportunities. I am grateful for the mentorship I received, the professional relationships I built, and the meaningful work I contributed to. This internship didn’t just help me meet graduation requirements — it helped me launch into a career where I feel excited, capable, and ready to make a difference.

 

As I move forward, I plan to continue pursuing roles in destination marketing and development, and I know that the experiences and lessons from Visit Indy will continue to guide me. I am leaving this internship not just with a stronger resume, but with a stronger sense of purpose and excitement for what lies ahead.

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