From Student to Strategist: What I Learned Working Behind the Scenes in Higher Ed

My name is Inara Shell. I’m an advertising student athlete and this summer. I received the opportunity to intern with Temple University’s Office of Academic Affairs, Assessment, and Institutional Research (AAAIR), where I worked on initiatives aimed at improving the student experience—particularly in the areas of first-year programming and academic planning. As a student myself, stepping into the inner workings of the university gave me an entirely new perspective on how higher education operates.

Before this internship, I never imagined just how many moving parts exist behind the scenes of a university. From strategic planning to student support initiatives, every process is rooted in data, intentional design, and thoughtful collaboration. My role involved working on projects like Fly in 4—a program that helps students stay on track to graduate on time and supporting research to improve Temple’s First-Year Seminar experience.

One of the most eye-opening aspects of my internship was conducting a cross-institutional analysis of first-year seminars. I researched what similar programs looked like at other universities and identified best practices. From curriculum design to implementation models, I learned how important the first-year experience is in setting students up for long-term success.

Another highlight of my internship was helping analyze qualitative feedback from students. I practiced coding open-ended responses to uncover themes in what students found to be most beneficial when it came to their success in their courses. This process not only sharpened my research skills but helped me better understand the student voice from a different angle—one that wasn’t mine. I was also able to work with other student interns on this project which helped learn what it’s like collaborating with others in a professional setting. 

I also got to work on social media content for the Fly in 4 program, which allowed me to apply my advertising background in a professional setting. It was a unique opportunity to blend creativity with data-informed messaging, and it reinforced my interest in strategic communication and student engagement. I was also able to speak to so many parents and incoming freshmen in the process which I loved. Being able to improve my public speaking along with meeting so many new people will always be something for which I am grateful.

Looking back, I didn’t expect to be so inspired by the people I worked with. My supervisor and the team at AAAIR were incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. Their passion for improving student outcomes made me more determined to pursue a career that combines strategy, research, and communication—perhaps even within higher education.

If I were to give advice to future interns, I would tell them not to be afraid to ask questions or take on tasks outside of your comfort zone. Some of the most rewarding parts of my internship came from work I didn’t expect to do at all. Be curious, be open, and take notes—you’ll be surprised how much you can learn just by being present. I would also encourage interns to speak up and make their voices heard. Sometimes while being an intern you can feel like a little fish in a big pond leading you to feel your voice isn’t as important, but it’s especially important because a youthful and refreshing point of view is always important.

This internship taught me that impactful work doesn’t always happen in the spotlight. Sometimes, the most meaningful change is happening quietly, behind the scenes—and that’s where I discovered I want to be.