May 5, 2026

For more information, contact:
Laura Brelsford | hcnews@hawks.huntingdon.edu | (334) 833-4563

Huntingdon Internships, Classroom to Career – Anna Dickson Beck ’26 and Isaiah Matthews ’27

Montgomery, AL – At Huntingdon College, the path from classroom to career is connected through internship experiences. The opportunity to build a resume and gain experience in a student’s field of study is a strong step towards career success after graduation. At the College, these opportunities are enhanced by the connections between Huntingdon and industry partners that welcome students into their professional environments.

For Anna Dickson Beck ’26 of Pike Road, Alabama and Isaiah Matthews ’27 of Huntsville, Alabama, a Huntingdon connection between Dr. Jane Goodson, chair of Huntingdon’s Department of Business, Accounting, and Mathematics and the Alabama State Personnel Department opened doors to a hands-on experience that would shape both students’ futures. For Anna Dickson, the experience offered an opportunity to prepare for life after graduation, while Isaiah saw it as a chance to continue building his resume. 

During the internship, Anna Dickson focused on researching and developing training courses, as well as attending recruiting events to help attract top talent to Alabama agencies. Isaiah supported administrative and human resources functions, also assisted with recruitment efforts, and helped organize and review personnel information.

In addition to learning their job roles and daily tasks, the students also made connections between their classroom work and their internship roles. Isaiah noted that he found clear lines between his courses in business administration that helped him better understand workplace structure, communication, and management that he was experiencing in the workforce. 

Although they shared a similar job experience at the Personnel Department, each student found unique highlights in the semester. Anna Dickson reflected that one of her biggest takeaways was “learning how state government works, especially when it comes to applying for and getting a job.” She also found her confidence in public speaking while at recruiting events; a skill she can now list on her resume. 

Isaiah grew in his interpersonal skills, “I’ve learned how much communication and relationships matter in the workplace. It’s not just about completing tasks; it’s about how you work with others, adapt, and carry yourself professionally. Everything you do is a representation of yourself.”

While internships are invaluable for Huntingdon students, the programs are also beneficial to the employers. Anna Dickson’s and Isaiah’s manager, Alabama Personnel Department Recruiting Specials, Emma Butler, praised both the students and Huntingdon stating, “Anna and Isaiah are really wonderful interns, their motivation and willingness to work stems from people pouring into them. Huntingdon truly invests in students as whole people, and that is evident in how they conduct themselves. They are professional, hardworking, and well-prepared. I’m grateful to partner with Huntingdon because I know they are sending students who are qualified and ready to contribute.”

The experience has undeniably advanced both interns. Ahead of Huntingdon’s graduation on May 7, Anna Dickson has accepted a full-time position from her internship with the State of Alabama Personnel Department and Isaiah has accepted a prestigious summer internship with the Alabama Department of Commerce. 

For more information on student internship opportunities or partnership opportunities, contact Sherry Leigh Farquhar in the Huntingdon Center for Career and Vocation at ccv@hawks.huntingdon.edu.

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