Learning Beyond the Classroom: Jobs & Internships Our Sisters Are Crushing in College

In college, classes are only one of the many intersecting aspects that bring together the ‘college experience’. These four years and beyond are a time of growth, both inside and outside the classroom. While academics are a significant piece, extracurriculars, leadership/team building, jobs, and internships are a huge factor in shaping future careers. In Alpha Delta Pi Beta Epsilon, our sisters are consistently striving to balance school, leadership, and professional development – doing so with passion and determination.

With over 500 members in our chapter, internships ranging from finance, marketing, healthcare, and media to part-time jobs that build valuable life skills in varying subjects. Our members are gaining hands-on experience that is preparing them for life after college, and we are so proud of them! These opportunities have not only help our sisters discover their strengths and passions, but also teach responsibility, time management, and confidence. We encourage our girls to not only be leaders in ADPi and on campus, but to discover opportunities in organizations across the community and world. 

Here are a few highlights of the amazing jobs and internships our sisters have held during their time at USC! Each experience reflects the drive, ambition, and support that define Alpha Delta Pi, and we hope their stories inspire others to pursue opportunities, no matter how daunting they may appear. 

Virginia Banton, a sophomore in AC ‘24 is majoring in Retailing. She had the opportunity of being a sales associate and intern at a local boutique in Columbia, A Little Happy. 

On a typical day, Virginia spends her time “restocking, organizing, working with the sorority section, wrapping orders, assisting customers, [as well as] opening and closing the store”. She has been given a lot of creative freedom within the store, such as designing the displays. It’s been such an exciting opportunity and she’s spent lots of time “training [her] creative eye” to prepare for her future in retail management. While balancing two jobs, classes, and being a part of several organizations, ensuring that she “uses a planner and not overextend [herself] has been very important". 

Advice from Virginia: “Talk to people and don't be afraid to reach out! You never know what opportunities are waiting for you until you ask for them.”

Dana Schofield, a senior in AC ‘22 is majoring in Exercise Science with a  minor in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior. She worked with Gamecock Football on campus as an Athletic Training Student Aide.

With her mornings starting at 6am sharp, she begins setting up the practice facility for the day, “filling fridges, setting up tape decks, prepping the rehab area, and setting up for practice”. Amidst “in-season, [aides] are assigned a position group to follow during practice”, Dana worked with the quarterbacks. She ensures that “athletes are well-hydrated, and tend to minor injuries”. Through this job, Dana has learned how to navigate conversations and professional settings with a wide range of people, especially because a team so big has such diverse personalities. “This job has also boosted [her] problem-solving skills, as Gamecock Football is always throwing us a curve ball!”.

Throughout her several years in ADPi, Dana has watched her “sisters balance a multitude of responsibilities while still being able to live their lives”. Though at first she feared to accept the job because of the long hours, she “remembered how many of [her] sisters have successfully balanced their commitments, which convinced [Dana] that she could do the same”.

Advice from Dana: “Never give up! I had to email my now boss 5 times over the span of 4 months to get this job. If you really want something, go after it! Your dedication will not go unrecognized”.

Cassandra Woodworth, a senior in AC ‘22 is majoring in Operations and Supply Chain Management and Marketing. Cassandra had an internship as an Amazon Area Manager in the Operations and Supply Chain industry. 

Over the summer in Spartanburg, South Carolina, she would work 7am-5pm, Monday-Thursday. She completed “a lot of hands-on-work on the warehouse floor with different operations managers and associates to improve the overall process workflow”. Through this job, Cassandra has gained “operations knowledge and cool insight into the behind scenes of leading a global e-commerce business”. 

ADPi was a huge part of Cassandra’s journey, bringing her “the people that supported [her] during [her] best and worst days during the internship. Although they weren’t physically there, being able to keep up with [her] sisters throughout the process was so important”.

Advice from Cassandra: “Practice interviewing over and over again it’s SO important and is a skill that takes time to master”.

Ella Conaster, is a junior in AC ‘23, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Spanish and criminal justice on the pre-law track. She’s had the opportunity to work directly in the law field as a Legal Assistant Intern at Mclaren and Lee in Columbia, SC. 

On a regular day, Ella “comes into the office and ensures the order of operations, making sure that all rooms are stalked for the day! [She] gets projects from [her] boss and helps organize documents, do research, and other ad-hoc projects for court cases at the law firm”. As a family law practice, employees and interns speak often and closely with clients. Ella “manages the tasks of the legal runners in the firm and ensures they’re on track”. Through this job, she’s gained immense professional writing and research and time management skills. Ella balances this internship with several other responsibilities, such as being ADPi’s VP of Panhellenic Relations, a political fundraising intern for team Drea Bryars, Secretary of Greek Relations in USC Student Government, and a U101 Peer Leader. 

ADPi has had a huge impact on Ella, pushing her out of her comfort zone and helping to pursue her goals by making the girls around her role models. “Serving on Exec last year was especially transformative to [her college experience, gaining numerous connections and valuable skills”.

Advice from Ella: “Make connections and keep up with them! It’s all about the people you know and who you make your mentors! Say yes to opportunities and don’t be afraid of rejection, especially with jobs and internships. Never give up and keep building your resume and network!”

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We are so proud of the amazing accomplishments of each of our members and love seeing their positive impact on the world! Their ambition, resilience, and dedication truly reflect the strength of our chapter and the bright future ahead.

xoxo, alpha delta pi - beta epsilon