Vikings test-drive their careers this summer

The best way to get career-ready? Jump in and do the work. Summer internships give students the chance to use classroom lessons in real-world settings. Meet four of the Augustana students who chose to stay local to share their talents and hone their skills for future careers.

Addison Szymborski ’27 – Illini Dental Associates

Major: Biology (pre-dentistry program)

What did Addison Szymborski choose to do this summer? Assist dentists with procedures including filling cavities and performing root canals.

“Ever since I was a kid, I have wanted to be a dentist,” she said. “A lot of people find going to a dentist to be a less-than-ideal situation. I have always looked forward to it.”

To apply to her desired dental school, Szymborski says she needs 100+ hours of shadowing at a dental practice. This and the opportunity for valuable hands-on experience is what led Szymborski to Illini Dental Associates.

"Clinically, I'm gaining experience with patient care, learning how to assist during procedures, take accurate dental impressions and maintain sterilization protocols,” she said. “These technical skills are helping me become more confident and efficient in a real dental setting."

Szymbroski says many patients don’t realize how much their oral health impacts their overall well-being, so being part of a team that educates and treats them has been incredibly meaningful. She is also building soft skills that she feels are just as important in dentistry — how to communicate effectively with patients, explain procedures in a clear and empathetic way, and work collaboratively with a team.

What has surprised her this summer is how much her art minor has helped during her internship.

“Dentistry is very hands-on and what I would call ‘advanced arts and crafts,’” Szymborski said. “Yes, there is a lot of science behind what we are doing, but for the most part, we are sculpting and building new things.”

When she becomes a dentist, Szymborski’s goal is to open her own practice.

Aastha Kharel '26 – Tapestry Farms

Majors: Public health, psychology

As a public health intern at Tapestry Farms, Aastha Kharel works with staff members to support refugee clients in accessing health care, food, housing and other essential resources. She also contributes to the health section of Tapestry Farms' newsletter, GIFT Gardens (Growing Illowa Food Together).

Kharel says Augustana helped her build her foundation in the classroom so she would have the best chance at success in the workforce.

"I’ve been able to apply what I’ve learned in class to real-life settings, especially around topics like health disparities, trauma-informed care and culturally responsive communication,” Kharel said. “I’ve developed skills in intercultural communication, community outreach, patience and problem-solving. I’ve learned how to meet people where they are and connect them with the resources they need.”

Kharel says she wants to pursue a career in community health as a public health advocate because of her positive experience at Tapestry Farms. She would like to work with Tapestry Farms, if the opportunity becomes available, or in a similar setting.

"The most meaningful part of my internship has been seeing how Tapestry staff work together across departments to support clients with care and flexibility,” Kharel said. “I’ve learned how important teamwork, communication and a shared mission are in public health.”

Brayden Atkisson ’26 – Clock, Inc.

Major: Political science

At Clock, Inc., Brayden Atkisson writes grants for operational support, creates social media plans and content, and works on outreach to donor partners and counseling clients.

Atkisson initially planned to be an astronaut, but his family's work for social justice guided his career plans in another direction.

"My grandfather, who passed before I was born, was my inspiration for this path,” Atkisson said. “Growing up, I would hear stories about his fight for civil rights, equality and dignity in a world not yet accepting of LGBTQ+ identities.”

After he graduates, Atkisson wants to continue doing nonprofit or governmental work that allows him to serve members of his community by connecting them to important resources.

"I think the single largest benefit Augustana has had on my experience isn't one class or department, but rather the whole of our liberal arts model,” he said. “In my role at Clock, I see dozens of guests walk through every day, from dozens of backgrounds, families and lives. I see struggle, I see support, and I see shared community.

"Understanding cultural or religious interplay, ethical citizenship with private information, and communication or intellectual literacy are all Augustana goals. I think Augustana has done a great job in teaching these realities of the world, both in the classroom and in our student community."

Lauren Hoffman ’26 – WVIK NPR Radio, WQPT PBS, NEST Café

Majors: Art, graphic design, multimedia journalism and mass communication

Lauren Hoffman took a bold step by taking on three internships this summer.

At WVIK and WQPT, her internships involve writing and reporting on local events, taking photos for social media and participating in outreach efforts. At the not-for-profit NEST Café, she is recording interviews for grants, creating visuals to reach new audiences and drive the group's mission, and serving meals.

Through her internships, Hoffman says she now has a clearer vision of how to achieve her goal of becoming an art director for a brand or event.

"I plan on staying local and would love to continue at one of my internships,” Hoffman said. “I want to continue in a position where I'm able to use my technical skills for outreach or for community involvement.”

Hoffman didn't always plan to triple major, but says her drive comes from wanting to make the most of her educational opportunity.

"I'm doing this entirely on my own, and I don't want to fail,” she said. “I'm an independent person, and I'm trying to create my own opportunities because I want to succeed in life."