Intern Spotlight: Audrey Williams
we asked one of our interns about her student experience and aspirations for the future
July 13, 2026
Audrey Williams
Hi everyone! My name is Audrey Williams, I am 21 years old and I study English Literature and Strategic Communication at The Ohio State University. I have lived in Ohio my entire life, as have my parents and grandparents, and I cherish that I have been able to grow up around so much family and community. I enjoy being creative and getting outside, whether that be hiking, camping, backpacking, or even just lounging at a beach! I also absolutely love travel and have really worked to make it a priority in my life. I am always looking to grow my global perspective, which is why I am so grateful to not just spend the summer in Ireland, but also to intern with an organisation as globally oriented as the Global Undergraduate Awards.
Writing has always been my passion, and there is nothing I find more intellectually stimulating than creatively finding ways to communicate and problem solve. My love of storytelling started as a child, and I have always been enthralled with the power words and great prose can hold, a passion I still hold today. This has guided both my academics and career goals, and I aim to one day work in scientific, health or environmental communications, helping bring complex stories to light.
Could you highlight a particular academic achievement or moment that stands out as your favourite or most memorable?
Winning a competitive award in the English department early on in my academic experience for a paper I wrote stands out to me as particularly memorable. I submitted on a whim and did not think my work was good enough to be recognised, which is why winning meant so much to me. It was a good confidence boost and reminder that my hard work does pay off.
Also, while this isn’t a specific moment or achievement, once I realised I was genuinely excited to go to my classes and was leaving them full of energy and motivation, I knew I had picked the right fields.
Many students have diverse interests. How have you managed to integrate your academic pursuits with your other passions or interests?
Something that I love about the communications field is just how versatile it is. Almost every industry needs communication specialists, which means I can really tailor my career goals around my interests. For example, I am incredibly passionate about the environment, health and sustainability, but I knew that a STEM career was not for me. I used to think that meant I couldn’t ever work in those fields, but after coming to university I discovered the niche of science and environmental communication. Now, I am excited about the ability to use my writing and comprehension skills to share complex, scientific information.
Also, as mentioned above, I have had a deep passion for literature and storytelling since I could first read. By merging English literature and communications, I have found a way to turn that passion into a viable career path.
Can you share the role mentors or advisors played in your academic journey? Any specific advice that profoundly influenced you?
I feel very lucky to have had multiple bosses, professors and advisors lift me up and help me navigate my academic journey. That being said, my most influential mentor has been my Dad. He is my biggest cheerleader and someone I can always talk to when I am feeling overwhelmed by my academics or future. As someone who has built an impressive and fulfilling career, he is also someone I know I can ask for “adulting” advice from. Whether it be networking, job applications or finances, he is always willing to help me out.
A specific piece of advice he gave that has really stuck with me is “you should always aim to be the least experienced person in the room.” Surrounding yourself with more experienced and accomplished people is how you are going to grow and learn the most.
Balance and Well-being: “Maintaining a balance between academics and well-being is crucial. How have you managed stress and found time for self-care throughout your studies?”
As someone who likes to put 100% of herself into everything she does, I have found it difficult at times to make room for self-care. This is why I consider myself so lucky to have such a strong support system to fall back on. After a stressful day nothing fills me up more than hanging out with my friends, even if it is as simple as grabbing a coffee. Journaling has also been a great way for me to work through and understand my feelings when I am overwhelmed.
Movement is another huge part of self-care for me. I try to hit the gym a few times a week even when my studies pick up, but if I get too busyI have found even a walk or stretch makes me feel so much better afterward. Sleep is also huge! I have learned this the hard way, but making time for 8 hours of sleep each night will do wonders, I promise.
Given the global nature of the Global Undergraduate Awards how has exposure to different cultures and perspectives influenced your academic and personal development?
Exposure to different cultures and perspectives has been a huge influence on both my academic and personal development, and is a big reason why I wanted to intern abroad for the summer. It’s easy to get comfortable in your own bubble and start believing you know everything, which is exactly why experiencing different perspectives matters so much. The more people I meet and the more cultures I experience, the less I feel like I actually know, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Once you begin to realise your perspective is only one of billions, you become a lot more open to new ideas and experiences. I hope to be a lifelong learner, and I know living abroad for the summer has definitely taught me a ton.
I also think that in a communications specific sense, so much of the career field is understanding and connecting with people. So, by learning how to navigate and live in different cultures, I believe I am becoming a better storyteller and communicator.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals, both academically and personally, and how do you plan on making a positive impact in the world?
I would love to work in a public relations and communications agency that has a specific focus on the environment, sustainability or health when I graduate. Long term, I also want to work in communications for an outdoor-focused brand or organisation. My ultimate goal is to be able to use my communication and storytelling skills to convey impactful, important messages to the people who need to hear them. There is so much impressive work being done in the scientific and environmental fields, but it is largely inaccessible to the wider population. I believe that good communication can change this.
For students aspiring to achieve academic excellence, what advice do you have based on your own experiences?
My biggest piece of advice is simple: talk to people and don’t be afraid to ask questions. I know it’s easier said than done, but the longer I spend in academia, the more I realise professors and mentors really do want you to succeed. There is no shame in asking for advice or help when you need it.
Also know that it is ok to make mistakes! I have had to learn how to navigate constructive criticism while at university, and while I used to struggle with it, I now consider feedback the most important part of my creative process. If you approach them with an open mind and a willingness to learn, your mistakes will lead to the most growth.
Is there anything else you’d like to share – perhaps a piece of wisdom or a lesson you’ve learned during your academic journey?
Put yourself out there and don’t be afraid to take risks! Whether it is a job, an award or a scholarship, don’t sell yourself short or count yourself out because you assume you won’t get it. If you don’t put yourself out there you 100% won’t get it, so why not try? Your strongest critic is usually yourself, and once you put yourself out there, you’ll start to see just how impressive you are. If I only applied to things I was sure I’d get, I never would have applied to anything at all.
