HHCA Internship Program

HHCA Junior Trace Taylor served as an intern with Coastal Shores Landscaping in the fall 2022 semester.

Each week, he worked with a different division of the company, including the irrigation, maintenance, and enhancement departments at Coastal Shores. He worked alongside owners Rob and Jessie Shrieve, as well as Director of Premium Services Zach Yelton, who served as the internship supervisor.  

“No two weeks of my internship were the same, which gave me the opportunity to see many different aspects of the business. I would like to own my own business after college, so this was a great chance to see how much hard work goes into building a company from the ground up.”

- Trace Taylor, Class of 2024

Trace was hands-on with a number of projects and spent considerable time learning the ins-and-outs of the business. In addition, he coordinated and participated in a number of Coastal Shores functions during his fall internship.  

HHCA Senior Matthew Ballard completed over 175 hours working with his father in their family business, Jeff Ballard Interior Renovations.

He worked on a variety of projects, including bathroom demolitions and remodels, kitchen tiling and cabinet installations, grouting tile, plumbing pipework, and removing and painting popcorn ceilings. 

“In the beginning, I did a lot of demolition work. I removed tile flooring, vanities, showers, and mirrors. I also worked to keep the jobsite clean by removing the trash from our demo work. I learned a lot about the tools used for specific jobs just by being responsible for getting tools from the truck and van. As my internship progressed, I started painting and getting into more of the finishing work on our jobs.” 

- Matthew Ballard (Class of 2023)

Jeff Ballard, business owner and also Matthew’s dad, said the internship was a great experience for both of them: “This was the first time we’ve had an intern in the business. I think it gave him a good idea of what to expect in the workplace when he starts his career. Having Matthew as an intern was a great help to my business and also a joy personally as his dad.” 

Jeff added, “I think internships are a great way to introduce students to the workplace and allow them to explore possible career paths. If they aren’t sure what they want to do, they can get the experience without the pressure of feeling like they have to stick with a specific path. It was a great experience and I would welcome another intern!” 

Following graduation, Matthew plans to start working right away to learn as much as he can about the interior construction business. He hopes to own his own business one day or take over the family business with his brother when their dad retires. 

HHCA Senior Isabel Cunningham's interest in veterinary science made an internship with Plantation Animal Hospital a perfect fit.

Under the management of Lawton Stables, Isabel's internship allowed her to spend nearly 100 hours observing and participating in clinic procedures, including administering IM and IV injections, blood draws, ultrasounds, dental exams, surgeries, vaccinations, annual checkups, and more. 

Isabel has worked at Lawton Stables for the past five years and completed an internship there in 2021. Her history with horses and exposure to veterinary science through her job allowed her to be a heavy participant in the care and handling of many animals who received care through the hospital during her internship this fall. 

While her primary interest is in large animal veterinary science, Isabel's internship experience at Plantation Animal Hospital focused primarily on small animals.

This internship taught me so much. Working with small animals broadened my overall knowledge and understanding of veterinary science. While I loved it, it also was extremely beneficial because it confirmed that I'm on the right track pursuing large animal studies. This is what I really love.

- Isabel Cunningham (Class of 2023)

HHCA mentor Parker Collins oversees students participating in the program and worked with Isabel through her semester-long internship. When asked about Isabel's experience, Mr. Collins said, "This reinforced her love for veterinary medicine, and helped her established valuable community contacts. We are all proud of Isabel and we are excited to see the future unfold for her as she gets another step closer to her dream."