Women’s Leadership Institute hosts interactive skill workshops on public speaking, internship process

November 18, 2024 - Emily Jodway

WLI supporter and MSU alum Rebecca Paalman leads a discussion all about internships. Photos by Jacqueline Hawthorne

The Michigan State University Women’s Leadership Institute recently held a two-part interactive workshop with its Student Cohort members at the MSU Student Services building. The workshop, presented by the College of Social Science Career Development team and college alumna Rebecca Paalman, gave students tips on navigating the internship process as well as ways to improve their public speaking and presentation skills. 

A portion of the workshop was led by Thuy-Tram Nguyen Butler, a Career Consultant from the Career Development team. Nguyen Butler talked with the Student Cohort about how to improve their public speaking skills, specifically being able to speak effectively and confidently in front of large groups. This includes being able to combine being an expert on the information being presented and why it is important with communicating clearly and engaging an audience using a strong voice and body language. 

The Cohort watched examples of different speeches and discussed with Nguyen Butler and each other how the speech was effective and what the speaker did to keep their audience’s attention. Nguyen Butler recommended, when encountering common fears of public speaking, replacing thoughts like, “I will never be able to be a good presenter,” with positive affirmations, such as, “With practice and preparation, I will become more confident in my speaking skills.” Practicing and receiving feedback, as well as becoming more of an ‘expert’ in a topic by continually learning, can help to improve presentation skills and better engage an audience.

To wrap up the conversation, cohort members formed groups and led practice discussions of their own on a variety of topics. They also learned about ways to effectively discuss topics that can often be sensitive or uncomfortable to talk about. Finding a way to relate to an audience by sharing a personal story can be one way to approach an emotional subject and convey its impact. 

In the internship skills section of the workshop, Paalman spoke to the group about the importance of participating in an internship and how to navigate both finding an organization to intern with and being a successful intern. Paalman is the Senior Director of Critical Strategy and Solutions at Stryker, and is very involved in their internship program. 

Along with her daughter Sydney, a former WLI Cohort member and intern at Styrker, Paalman went over the many benefits of interning, while Sydney gave tips and talked about her own personal experience. Doing an internship can be a great opportunity to gain experience, skills and professionalism while also discovering potential interests and strengths. It can be a great way to challenge oneself and put into practice skills learned in the classroom. It can also be the first opportunity for networking with working professionals and identifying paths of potential future employment. 

Before starting an internship, Paalman recommended students make sure they are able to identify their personal and professional goals. “That’s what’s going to keep you motivated at the end of the day,” she said. 

The conversation again turned to the importance of confidence, as Paalman reminded students that they are in charge of self-advocating and demonstrating initiative, ownership and enthusiasm. 

“Take the initiative; I want you to be in charge,” she said. “As an employer, choosing an intern to be on our team … I need to see enthusiasm from that person. Take charge, as it makes a positive and lasting impression and starts to build your professional relationships.”

Every person has unique skills that they bring to the workplace, and Paalman brought up how this can be very beneficial in an internship and is often someone’s first experience with being their authentic self in a work environment. 

“When you're showing up, embrace your unique qualities and perspective because that authenticity will set you apart,” Paalman said. “Being authentic to who you are, because that’s how you’re going to be showing up each and every day [for your internship].”

Lastly, she reminded students to be constantly seeking feedback throughout their internship in order to identify any ways they can improve. Rather than waiting to receive feedback from a supervisor, she suggests being proactive, seeking out feedback and being prepared to put any recommendations into action. 

Click here to learn more about the Women’s Leadership Institute.