By Carrie Nolan-Robson | Northside North Shore Chamber of Commerce 

Internships have long been a vital gateway for students and young professionals to gain real-world experience, build networks, and develop essential skills for their careers. However, the internship landscape is undergoing significant changes, driven by shifts in industry demands, technological advancements, and evolving workplace norms. As we enter 2025, interns are facing a rapidly changing environment that offers new challenges and opportunities.

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically accelerated the adoption of remote work, and its effects are still evident today. Remote internships, once considered rare, have now become a permanent fixture in many industries. This shift allows companies to tap into a broader talent pool while providing interns the flexibility to work from anywhere.

Remote internships offer numerous benefits, including work-life balance and reduced commuting costs. However, they also present unique challenges such as the need for strong digital communication skills, time management, and the ability to build connections without face-to-face interactions.

One such program tackles this shift to expose their students to opportunities outside their college’s geographic footprint. The E+I Fellows Program, presented by the Center for Entrepreneurship + Innovation at Grove City College, offers students hands-on learning experiences with businesses and startups, giving them a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Interns gain exposure to every aspect of running a business, from marketing and finance to product development and management.

Emma O’Toole, Community Manager for the Center for E+I at Grove City College talked about how the Chamber’s application was selected for the program.

“The Northside Chamber of Commerce stood out in their application for the Spring 2025 E+I Fellows cohort because of their clear vision, strategic goals, and the meaningful impact a Fellow could have on their work,” said O’Toole. “Their remote position was well thought-out and multifaceted. We saw how placing a Fellow with the Chamber could accelerate their ability to expand community outreach and support local economic development.”

The E+I Fellows program is so well designed by offering a preview night to the employers. This evening allows for the selected employers to meet potential candidates and accept resumes as a pre-screening experience. From there, names are submitted to O’Toole as potential candidates to set up interviews. The students in turn have to apply to desired positions that they hear about that evening. The Chamber interviewed four candidates and there were two standout candidates, but what factored into the final selection was the passion and familiarity of the Northside that the top candidate had. Kyalie Mizerak, a standout intern from Grove City College’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation (E+I) Fellows Program has been making significant contributions at the Northside North Shore Chamber of Commerce (NSNSCC) this spring. Through her hands-on role, Kyalie has applied her skills in design and marketing to various community projects, gaining invaluable professional experience while also contributing to meaningful local initiatives.

For Kyalie, the opportunity has been invaluable. Here is a glimpse into her internship experience:

Q&A with Kyalie Mizerak

1. Can you start by telling us about your role at The Northside | North Shore Chamber of Commerce and how you became interested in this internship?

“I didn’t intend to apply for the fellowship program that introduced me to NSNSCC, but seeing a Chamber on the employer list caught my eye. Living in a small town for the past four years has shown me how rewarding it can be to connect the people with the businesses in a community, and I wanted to be part of that. So far with NSNSCC, I’ve been working on various communications initiatives that explore ways to better serve the community or chamber members.”

2. Can you walk us through a recent project you’ve worked on?

“My main task so far has been compiling a public safety resource guide based on the services that local nonprofits and ministries offer for the unhoused population. It has involved a lot of research and categorizing information. We recently had a productive brainstorming session at the Chamber, and I’m really excited for the next step, which is designing the guide’s layout.”

3. How do you collaborate with the team on your projects?

“Mostly I work independently since the position is remote, but I attend a weekly meeting via Zoom and update the team on my progress. Everyone has been so supportive and helpful from afar. I’m looking forward to doing remote collaboration with two of the chamber members as I get into some design projects.”

4. What unexpected knowledge have you gained so far?

“This internship has allowed me to challenge my perceptions of the Northside and experience it from a perspective beyond that of a visitor or passerby. Though I’ve lived fifteen minutes from here my whole life, this internship has allowed me to recognize the thriving, engaging community that is the Northside.” 5. Have you faced any challenges during your internship, and how have you overcome them?

“The biggest challenge is not being able to work in the office and spend all my time with the team at NSNSCC! My previous internships took place over the summer, so I’m not used to balancing a job with schoolwork. Beyond wishing I could be more involved in the chamber, it has been a fun challenge to determine how best to present and condense the information in the public safety guide.”

6. In what ways does your internship align with your long-term career goals?

“My career goals aren’t overly ambitious, but no matter which type of work I end up doing I hope to be at an organization that places the emphasis of their work on people and benefiting their community – whether that is through hosting programs for a small group of people or inventing new technology that benefits millions. I’ll be happy being part of a project that brings value to people I get to interact with, which I’ve already begun at the NSNSCC.”

7. What advice would you give to other students who are looking for internships in the same field?

“For a job in the nonprofit world, your passion for an organization’s mission plus a good work ethic will take you most of the way to success. If you’re not instantly excited about an organization or a project, talk to the people who are, because it’s usually contagious. One of my mentors told me that he can teach technical skills to anyone but can’t teach passion or a good attitude – the rest falls into place from there.”

8. What’s next for you after completing this internship?

“In two months, I graduate from college. I’ve applied to a handful of full-time jobs across the non-profit spectrum and one at a global industrial leader. I’m at a crossroads with two very distinct options ahead of me! It’s a little stressful but strangely exciting to have no idea where I’ll be next year, because I know that I’ll end up in the right place no matter what.”

As Kyalie’s experience illustrates, internships not only foster personal growth but also assist in capacity building for the organization involved. Her work at the Northside | North Shore Chamber of Commerce has contributed to creating new additions to the value the Chamber brings to the community, while also aligning with the goals of all parties. This synergy between the Chamber’s efforts to expand its capacity, Kyalie’s learning experience, and Grove City College’s commitment to providing meaningful learning opportunities exemplifies how such collaborations create a lasting impact.

If you are interested in hosting an E+I Fellow for the Fall 2025 cohort, visit Grove City’s website to join our Interest list to be the first to know when the Host Organization application opens: gccentrepreneurship.com/future-interest-form/