When someone asks, “What will you do with your degree?” these Rebels have their answers cued up. Through internships, they gained professional insight and an appreciation for the possibilities after college. From operating rides at theme parks to coasting down the Mississippi River on a cruise boat, UNLV students found unique and exciting ways to build their resumes this summer.
Now, ready to kick off the summer playlist? Each student is paired with a song that captures the vibe of their time in the field. Come get into the groove of the intern experience!
Morgane Costa, Insurance & Risk Management and International Business
At her internship, Morgane Costa assisted in research, industry projects, and operational initiatives for the Surplus Line Association of California (SLACAL), which fills needs when coverage is too unusual or high risk for regular insurance companies.
“The internship continually reminds me that insurance is far more than policies and regulations. It is an industry that intersects with business, law, public policy, and economic development,” Costa said.
Before her internship, Costa understood insurance and risk management through coursework, case studies, and industry events only. Her time with SLACAL, however, helped her realize just how much of this industry is propped up by the people doing the work.
“Seeing an entire organization take the time to celebrate its people reinforces an important lesson that I will carry with me throughout my career: When people feel valued, they are more engaged, more innovative, and more invested in helping one another succeed," she said.
Throughout the summer, Costa continued to appreciate the value of relationships and networking in the field. She was able to meet with brokers in San Francisco, mingle at industry events in Monterey, and spend time in Sacramento learning about legislative and regulatory issues. By combining her classroom knowledge with real-world experience, Costa sees how relationships, collaboration, and communication play an important role in addressing complex challenges in the industry.
Her Summer Internship Song: “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone
“Much like the feeling conveyed in Nina Simone's song, each new experience leaves me with a greater sense of confidence, curiosity, and excitement for what lies ahead.”
Aziz Ali, Hospitality Management
Hospitality management major Aziz Ali landed a sweet gig as an intern for Hersheypark, an amusement park founded by The Hershey Co. in Pennsylvania.
Ali’s responsibilities included ride operations, customer service, and guest safety. He also participated in development programs to learn management practices, team leadership, and employee engagement. The experience helped him gain a comprehensive understanding of how a theme park operates.
He’s also learned how to stay calm under pressure and adapt immediately to changing situations, something he feels can’t be replicated in a classroom.
His favorite experience so far? “A young guest got off the attraction and told me that I was his hero because he had so much fun and thought what I was doing was 'really cool.' That moment stood out because it showed me the real impact of my role. Even though I was focused on safety and operations, I realized that I was also helping create meaningful and memorable experiences for guests. It made me proud of the work I was doing and reminded me why guest experience is so important in this industry.”
His Summer Internship Song: “Hall of Fame” by The Script, featuring will.i.am
“[This song] reflects pushing yourself, learning through challenges, and growing into a stronger version of yourself,” Ali says.
Michelle Campos-Diaz, Mathematics
The most memorable internship moment for mathematics major Michelle Campos-Diaz was socializing with colleagues on a boat cruise down the Mississippi River. Made possible by the insurance company Travelers – with whom Campos-Diaz is interning – she networked and learned more about her department while floating down the second-longest river in the United States.
“Our actuarial choir also performed a few songs, which was super entertaining because they changed the lyrics to be math-themed,” Campos-Diaz said.
In her day-to-day work, Campos-Diaz analyzes worker compensation pricing using statistical analysis software (SAS) and product management datasets. She also works on developing and presenting data-driven recommendations regarding workers’ compensation pricing strategy. Through this experience, Campos-Diaz said she acquired technical skills that helped elevate her industry knowledge.
Her Summer Internship Song: “Welcome to New York” by Taylor Swift
With her internship being out-of-state, Campos-Diaz’s song is inspired by her experience of living in a new city for the first time.
Kaylin White, Psychology
Psychology major Kaylin White has always had a passion for helping others. During her internship with the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation, that drive has grown considerably. This summer, White assisted with planning and managing events such as fundraisers and activities involving children and their families.
While chaperoning an event at Red Rock, the Candlelighters team rented out a VIP movie room for kids to watch the new Star Wars film. “I got to see them get excited by something as simple as free candy. I realized that, although these kids have cancer, they’re still just kids who want to have fun,” White said.
White has enjoyed seeing the team's hard work pay off and values the experience of bringing joy to children. “Being able to see the kids' reactions to something simple as a goodie bag or donuts is really special.”
Her Summer Internship Song: "Count on Me" by Bruno Mars
White’s summer song draws inspiration from the children she served and underscores her commitment to helping others.
Nehemiah Afam Chukwuere, Dual Master of Business Administration with a Master of Science in Management Information Systems
During Nehemiah Afam Chukwuere’s internship with Steel Solutions, he focused on improving the company's estimating and project management processes through automation and digital workflow development. He even presented an estimating system to the company’s CEO.
He noted the internship introduced him to technologies and workflows he wouldn't have encountered inside the classroom, such as working directly with estimators and operations staff. By working together, Chukwuere learned how to listen to users, understand their challenges, and design practical solutions around real workflows.
“As an international graduate student at UNLV, this internship gave me the confidence to contribute meaningful ideas in a professional setting and showed me the value of combining engineering knowledge with technology and innovation.
"I'm thankful to Steel Solutions for trusting me with impactful projects and to UNLV for providing the education and support that helped prepare me for this experience. This internship has reinforced my passion for solving real-world problems and has motivated me to continue learning and growing throughout my career."
His Summer Internship Song: ”Safe and Sound” by Capital Cities
Chukwuere’s song reflects the feeling of being supported, particulary when it comes to work.
Yaritzza Montenegro, Journalism and Media Studies
Yaritzza Montenegro didn’t just have one internship — she split her time as a member of the Spanish productions team for UFC, a mixed martial arts promotions company headquartered in Las Vegas, and at the communications office in UNLV's Greenspun College of Urban Affairs.
For UNLV, Montenegro wrote articles, operated the college’s social media, and worked on her graphic and website design skills.
At UFC, she gained experience in sports entertainment by editing b-roll, working as a production assistant, and shadowing several roles related to live broadcast. She even worked high-profile events, including the McGregor vs. Holloway match and the UFC Freedom 250 fight.
“Both internships allowed me to familiarize myself with different work environments and understand the importance of storytelling. I was also able to grow a deeper sense of responsibility because both opportunities had high expectations. I had so much support along the way that I was able to achieve them,” Montenegro said.
Her Summer Internship Song: "DNA (More than A Game)" by Andrea Bocelli, David Guetta, EJAE, and Megan Thee Stallion
Her song highlights a few things: the summer she watched the World Cup, a blend of different artists – much like her internships – and reflects her sentiment that sports is truly more than just a game.
