MEDIA, Pa. — This summer, Penn State Brandywine student Natalie DiMario gained hands-on experience interning for Horizons at the Episcopal Academy, a program designed to advance education and inspire learning among the youth.

DiMario is a fourth-year student majoring in communications and minoring in human development and family studies (HDFS). DiMario is a member of the women’s tennis team as well as a part-time strategic communications specialist for Brandywine’s Office of Strategic Communications.

DiMario began her summer without an internship.

“That did not stop me from continuing to apply throughout the summer,” she said. “Since it was such a niche search, I turned to AI to help me filter through job postings. The first opportunity that came up was for a marketing and social media intern at Horizons at the Episcopal Academy.”

She applied that day. Two weeks later, she was hired.

In her role at Horizons, DiMario worked on photography, created social media content, wrote articles for the website and helped with administrative tasks when needed.

“This variety allowed me to gain experience in several different areas of communication while also adapting to the needs of the organization,” she said.

DiMario recently introduced a HDFS minor into her college repertoire. She noted the connection between her internship and her minor by reflecting on the lessons learned and the practical application that followed.

“The internship also connected to many of the topics I learn about in HDFS, including childcare, development, education and creating equal opportunities for all,” she said. “It was great to see how both areas of my studies could come together and apply to my summer internship.”

DiMario noted how her time as a student worker in the Office of Strategic Communications gave her the confidence to apply for a role like this.

“The valuable lessons I learned from my team at Brandywine will forever follow me throughout my career. Not only did they teach me the specifics of the job, but they also taught me the importance of jumping at new opportunities,” she said.

After graduating, DiMario said she wishes to pursue a career that fills her desire to help others and make a positive impact on the people and communities around her.