Photography intern See Xiong not only is getting better acquainted with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh campus, she also is getting a clearer picture of what her future may hold.
Working within the Integrated Marketing and Communications office, Xiong, a Student Titan Employment Program (STEP) intern, also is learning the intricacies of a professional environment.
Name: See Xiong
Role: Photography/videography intern
Department: Integrated Marketing and Communications
Major: Journalism — advertising and public relations
Minor: Radio-TV-film
Year: Senior
Hometown: Eau Claire, Wis.
What specific tasks do you do for your internship?
“I photograph campus events to be posted in online photo galleries as well as present ideas for filling in visual gaps in student-life coverage. I photograph staff, faculty and group portraits. I also get to sharpen my software skills by preparing and editing photos for UW Oshkosh Today.”
How will the internship benefit your education?
“This internship has benefited my education by giving me hands-on experience that I wouldn’t get in the traditional classroom setting. I’m learning how to use equipment and software that’s used in the career world. I’m learning how to work on deadlines and to manage projects. It’s definitely an educational experience.”
How will the internship benefit your future?
“I’m getting work experience in a field I’m really interested in. Being in this work environment will help build up my personal portfolio that I can showcase to future employers.”
What has been your favorite part of the internship? Why?
“My favorite part of this internship is taking pictures and working in Adobe Photoshop. Working with Jaslyn Gilbert, the photography services manager, I’m also learning different techniques to use in Adobe Photoshop.”
The Student Titan Employment Program (STEP) offers students quality educational experiences while providing faculty and staff members with needed assistance in areas such as media services, student-faculty research, supplemental instruction, library assistance, instructional technology and academic computing support, and Web page development and maintenance. The program is funded through a one-time investment of $500,000. More than 110 students are funded through STEP.
Photo by See Xiong.