How a Summer Internship at RESPEC Led to Skills, Growth, and Industry Insight

by Alyssa (Nicole) Rycraw

My time at RESPEC as an intern for business development and marketing has brought me more knowledge and appreciation for my career than ever. Before this summer, I thought my future was firmly rooted in marketing. But my internship at RESPEC helped me discover a new interest in business development and showed me how the two fields connect in ways I hadn’t expected. I connected with amazing people, engaged in new projects, and created things that would bring value, which made a lasting impact on my experience.

Blending Marketing and Business Development

On the marketing side, I created social media graphics, aligned content with RESPEC’s brand, and helped organize the company’s internal databases that connect people and work. These projects gave me insight into how RESPEC communicates its expertise and values to both clients and employees and helped me see how strong messaging can support technical work.

For business development, I also worked on a project focused on RESPEC’s involvement in professional organizations across the Alaska region. By gathering data, building visuals, and analyzing engagement, I learned how community participation contributes to long-term business relationships. Throughout that process, I spoke with employees across different teams and saw firsthand the openness and support that defines RESPEC’s culture.

Lessons in Relationship-Building and Communication

One of the most valuable parts of my experience was attending conferences and client meetings alongside Matt Emerson, RESPEC’s Regional Director and former Senior Vice President of Infrastructure. At these events, I saw how people market themselves and their company, which changed my perception of how business development works. I realized it’s about listening, asking the right questions, and identifying ways to solve real problems. That shift helped me gain new confidence in how I approach communication and relationship-building.

My internship at RESPEC was a meaningful step in my career that helped me grow as a professional and introduced me to new possibilities. I strengthened my design, content development, data analysis, and communication skills. Just as importantly, I gained exposure to an industry I hadn’t worked in before and found that my background still brought value.

A Supportive Environment for Interns

RESPEC’s supportive culture played a significant role, making it easy for me to learn, take initiative, and contribute meaningfully to real projects. The way everyone is treated like family made each project feel more approachable and the learning environment smoother. Because of that, I built new skills, added to my experience, and participated in real work.

This internship not only expanded my skill set but also gave me a clearer sense of how my strengths can support a larger team. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work and explore new directions in my career. For anyone looking to grow in a supportive, real-world environment, RESPEC is a place that invests in your development and trusts you to make an impact.