PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — If you’re reading this, congrats! You’re about to step into a really special opportunity. Being an intern here is more than just sitting in on meetings or shadowing. It’s your chance to grow, build confidence, and figure out how you show up in a professional space. I know everyone’s experience is different, but I want to share a few things that helped me make the most of my time and a few things I had to learn the hard way.

Speak up early
From day one, let people know who you are and what you’re interested in. Don’t wait for someone to come find you. Introduce yourself to people. Ask questions. If there’s something you want to learn, say it. If there’s someone you want to shadow, ask. Your voice matters here, but no one can read your mind. The more you speak up, the more doors open.

Stay curious
Some of the best moments I had came from asking “why.” Don’t just do tasks, understand what they mean. Learn how different departments work together. Ask how decisions are made. Watch how people interact. Every little moment can teach you something if you’re paying attention. Take notes. Reflect. Ask for feedback. All of that adds up.

Be a sponge…but still be yourself
You’re going to learn a lot from the people around you. That’s the whole point. But don’t forget to bring your own personality into the work. Be professional, of course, but don’t lose your voice. Your perspective matters. Your creativity matters. The people here want to hear your ideas, so don’t shrink yourself just because you’re an intern.

Show up like you already belong
I don’t mean fake it. I mean own your spot. Be prepared. Be on time. Be engaged. People notice energy and if you carry yourself like a professional, they will treat you like one. You don’t have to know everything, but you do have to show that you care. That’s what earns respect.

Make connections, not just contacts
Talk to people outside your assigned team. Get to know people in the newsroom, creative, traffic, digital, promotions—everyone. You never know who might drop a gem or open a door later. Say thank you. Stay in touch. Let people know they made an impact. That goes a long way.

And finally, have fun with it!
This internship will move fast. You’ll have weeks that feel busy and weeks that feel slow. You’ll have wins and you’ll probably make a few mistakes too. But that’s all part of the experience. Be open to it. Celebrate your growth. Take a deep breath when you need to. And don’t forget to laugh a little, it’s not supposed to be perfect. It’s just supposed to teach you something.

You’ve got this. Make it count. Ask the questions. Make memories. And leave your own mark.

Keep learning. Keep growing. And always—keep it WAVY.
Thanks for reading—sharing this experience has meant a lot, and I’m glad you came along for the ride.