Kathryn Hanks has spent her years at North Carolina State University studying the principles of tourism to provide high-quality experiences for travelers. This past summer, she put that knowledge into practice through an internship with the Outer Banks’ leading vacation home rental company.

Hanks, a fourth-year student majoring in parks, recreation and tourism management, spent her summer as a premier home services intern with Twiddy & Company in Corolla, North Carolina. There, she communicated with homeowners and helped stage homes and inspect them.

“The internship taught me that there is so much more that goes into renting a vacation home than simply putting a house online and having guests stay there,” Hanks said. “I got to see the work that goes into preparing properties, communicating with homeowners, welcoming guests and making sure everything is ready for a great vacation experience.”

In the following Q&A, Hanks discusses her internship with Twiddy & Company — including her motivations for pursuing the opportunity, what a typical day looked like on the job, some of the biggest challenges she faced, and how it contributed to her future career goals.

What motivated you to pursue this internship, and how did you find out about it?

Hanks: I was motivated to pursue this internship because I wanted to learn more about vacation rental management and what happens behind the scenes of the rental process. My professor, Whitney Knollenberg, told me about the opportunity, and I was excited because it connected directly to what I was learning in school. 

What was the biggest challenge you faced, and how did you overcome it?

Hanks: One of my biggest challenges was learning all of the different responsibilities that came with the internship. There were new systems, procedures and tasks to learn, and it took some time to become comfortable with everything. 

I overcame this by asking questions, taking notes and learning from my supervisors and coworkers. As the summer went on, I became much more confident and was able to take on responsibilities more independently. 

What skills or knowledge did you gain that you didn’t expect before starting?

Hanks: I gained a much better understanding of vacation rental management and everything that happens behind the scenes. I learned that creating a good guest experience takes a lot of communication, organization, attention to detail and teamwork. 

I also became more comfortable communicating with homeowners and guests in a professional setting. These skills are something I know I will be able to use in future jobs in tourism, hospitality and event management.

How did this experience influence your career goals or academic interests?

Hanks: This experience helped me realize how many different career opportunities there are within the tourism and hospitality industry. I originally went into the internship wanting to learn more about rental management, but I ended up gaining experience in guest services, property operations, communication and hospitality. 

It also made me more interested in careers where I can work with people while still being involved in the behind-the-scenes planning and operations. I think this experience will help me as I continue figuring out what area of tourism and hospitality I want to pursue after graduation. 

Can you share a memorable moment or experience that had a lasting impact on you?

Hanks: One of the most memorable parts of my internship was living in the intern house with all of the other girls. Being able to live together, experience the summer together and make so many friendships made the internship feel like much more than just a job.

I made friendships that I know will last for a lifetime, and some of my favorite memories came from the time we spent together outside of work. Getting to experience the Outer Banks with them while also working in such a beautiful area made the summer really special. 

What advice would you give to other students considering a similar internship?

Hanks: My biggest advice would be to take the opportunity even if you are not completely sure what to expect. An internship is a great way to learn what you like, gain real-world experience and discover career opportunities that you may not have considered before. 

I would also encourage students to make the most of the experience outside of work. Get to know the people you are working with, try new things and take advantage of where you are living. The friendships and memories I made were just as valuable to me as the professional experience I gained.

Editor’s note: This Q&A has been edited for clarity and brevity.