HomeBlogStudent Voices Behind the Screens: My Semester in Publishing at CEL by Caroline KilbornMay 27, 2025 Share: Section NavigationSkip section navigationIn this sectionBlog Home AI and Engaged Learning Assessment of Learning Capstone Experiences CEL News CEL Retrospectives CEL Reviews Collaborative Projects and Assignments Community-Based Learning Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity ePortfolio Feedback First-Year Experiences Global Learning Health Sciences High Impact Practices Immersive Learning Internships Learning Communities Mentoring Relationships Online Education Place-Based Learning Professional and Continuing Education Publishing SoTL Reflection and Metacognition Relationships Residential Learning Communities Service-Learning Signature Work Student Leadership Student-Faculty Partnership Studying EL Supporting Neurodivergent and Physically Disabled Students Undergraduate Research Work-Integrated Learning Writing Transfer in and beyond the University Style Guide for Posts to the Center for Engaged Learning Blog Joining the Center for Engaged Learning (CEL) as a publishing intern during my spring semester senior year was definitely an exciting opportunity as I loved learning about the publishing process through my Publishing and Editing 1 course. I knew this opportunity would give me the chance to grow as a publishing professional before my graduation in May. Not only did my time at CEL expand my understanding of the publishing industry, but it also opened my eyes to the sheer amount of work that goes on behind the scenes in copyediting, social media creation, and so much more. Not only that, but I have learned lots about myself. I have come to the realization that I need to have some creative outlet within my professional career in order to stay fulfilled. This internship has done exactly that. Growing My Creative and Technical Skills This experience has given me the chance to expand my skills with Adobe Illustrator, comprehend the ins and outs of WordPress, dive deeper into the realm of copyediting, and learn how to stay creative within the guidelines of a preestablished brand and visual identity. I have come to love the process of developing blog posts from start to finish. From basic copyediting, setting it up in WordPress, and developing the social media graphics has been so much fun. To be more specific, I enjoyed working on the Master of Higher Education (MHE) series. The combination of learning about High Impact Practices (HIP), undergraduate student leadership, and signature work has broadened my understanding of higher education and been the reason for my growing skills in Adobe Illustrator. Below I’ve included a selection of social media and blog graphics I’ve created for these blogs: Selected graphics I created for the Center for Engaged Learning’s blog. Similarly, I have used those skills when revamping the social media graphics for two previously published books: Online, Open, and Equitable Education and Mind the Gap. Being able to take from past designs and enhance them into something new has helped my understanding of color constraints and visual identities on a deeper level. By working within the guidelines of Elon University’s color guide, I have been able to use my own creativity while staying within the boundaries of an established visual identity. The Instagram package for Online, Open, and Equitable Education is included below: Thriving in a Collaborative Work Environment Aside from the editorial production work itself, I have also been fortunate enough to learn how to work in an office, collaborate effectively, and manage multitasking multiple projects at once. Because of this, I have learned that being in an office and working with and around others is an environment I would very much like to join after I graduate. Whether it’s in publishing, marketing, public relations, or another field, I have a clear idea of the type of work environment I want to be part of—one that will help me thrive and contribute to my long-term success. The Impact of Meaningful Mentorship While I was only an intern for one semester, I have been fortunate enough to form relationships with my supervisors that have impacted my work and comfort level for the better. As I graduated in May and navigated the challenges of the job search, I found valuable support and guidance from my CEL mentors. Not only was I given the opportunity to talk through my frustrations, but I also received incredibly valuable advice. I believe that internship supervisors should really take the time to get to know their interns. Learning and understanding the ways they work on large projects or just move through life will make the entire work environment that much more comfortable for them. At least it did for me. My ability to take constructive criticism has skyrocketed because I am not embarrassed or ashamed to ask questions. This is a very freeing feeling. Thank You In all seriousness, I want to say thank you to the Center for Engaged Learning staff. I have been able to learn so much about myself, the publishing process, and industry this past semester. I appreciated the patience granted to me when I asked too many questions and the support of my (ongoing) job search. I would not trade this experience for anything else. Thanks to this internship, I’m confident in pursuing creative, collaborative roles in publishing, marketing, or communication—and I’m excited for what’s ahead. About the Author Caroline Kilborn is a recent graduate of Elon University’s English Department, where she majored in Professional Writing & Rhetoric and English Literature. During the spring 2025 semester, she interned in publishing while also working as a records processing assistant in the Office of Admissions. How to Cite this Post Caroline Kilborn. 2025. “Behind the Screens: My Semester in Publishing at CEL” Center for Engaged Learning (Blog). Elon University, May 27, 2025. https://www.centerforengagedlearning.org/behind-the-screens-my-semester-in-publishing-at-cel.
