Future Leaders, Fresh Perspectives: How Two C2 Essentials Interns Turned Experience into Opportunity 

Every career begins with a first step. The first day of an internship often comes with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. There are new people to meet, new skills to learn, and the challenge of taking knowledge from the classroom and applying it in the real world. 

For many students, the transition from the classroom to the professional world can feel uncertain. Internships provide a bridge between those two worlds, offering students the opportunity to gain experience, find their strengths, build confidence, and discover how their interests can translate into meaningful careers. 

At C2 Essentials, we have had the privilege of watching students begin that journey firsthand. This National Intern Day, we’re looking back at the journeys of two former interns, Paige Theoret and Maegann Thompson, whose experiences with C2 Essentials helped shape their professional paths. 

While their paths looked different, both gained valuable experiences that helped shape the professionals they are today. 

Although they joined C2 in different roles and at different points in their education, both walked away with new skills, valuable experiences, and a clearer vision for their futures. 

Paige Theoret: Turning a Passion for Marketing into a Career Path 

When Paige Theoret joined C2 Essentials as a Marketing Specialist Intern, she was pursuing a degree in International Business and Marketing at the College of Charleston. Like many students preparing for graduation, she was looking for an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop professionally, and see how the concepts she learned in the classroom translated into the workplace. 

Looking back, Paige describes her internship as "one of the most valuable learning experiences in my career." 

Throughout her time at C2 Essentials, she strengthened both her technical and professional skills. "It strengthened my communication skills, taught me the importance of taking initiative, and showed me how meaningful collaboration keeps projects moving forward," she reflected. 

One of the defining moments of Paige's internship was attending the Global SOF Conference, an experience that broadened her perspective beyond the office. 

"One of the biggest highlights was attending the Global SOF Conference, where I gained invaluable industry exposure and learned from incredible professionals," Paige shared. The opportunity allowed her to see the broader impact of the work being done and connect with professionals across the government contracting community. 

Beyond the projects and experiences, it was the people who left the greatest impression. 

"I'm especially grateful for the opportunity to work closely with Jackie, whose leadership and mentorship had a lasting impact on my professional growth," Paige said. Having the opportunity to learn alongside experienced professionals gave her the confidence to continue growing as she prepared to begin her career. 

Today, after graduating from the College of Charleston, Paige lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she works in recruiting. Although her career has taken her from marketing to talent acquisition, the lessons she gained during her internship continue to shape the way she approaches new opportunities. 

Reflecting on her journey, Paige says she is "thankful to have been part of such an amazing team" and "will always appreciate everything I learned during my time there." Those experiences continue to serve as a foundation as she builds the next chapter of her career. 

Maegann Thompson: Discovering the Power of Communication and Collaboration 

For Maegann Thompson, her internship at C2 Essentials was an opportunity to step into the business world while continuing her studies at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where she is majoring in Communications. 

For Maegann, her internship at C2 Essentials was an opportunity to move beyond the classroom and gain firsthand experience in how businesses operate. As an Operations Intern, she was able to work across several areas of the organization, gaining exposure to payroll, accounting, and general operations. 

“During my internship with C2 Essentials, I served as an Operations Intern and gained hands-on experience across several business functions, including payroll, accounting, and general operations,” Maegann shared. 

Through this experience, Meagann gained a better understanding of how different departments work together behind the scenes to support clients and maintain efficient business processes. Her role allowed her to see the importance of collaboration and how each team contributes to the overall success of an organization. 

Beyond the work itself, Maegann found value in the people she worked alongside. She described the culture at C2 Essentials as one of the most rewarding parts of her experience, noting that “everyone was eager to share their knowledge and help me learn,” which allowed her to grow both professionally and personally. 

As a Communications major, Maegann’s internship also helped her see how the skills she was developing in school translated into a professional environment. Whether collaborating with different departments, understanding business processes, or communicating effectively across teams, her experience reinforced the importance of strong communication in every area of an organization. 

“The skills and experiences I gained during this internship strengthened my understanding of business operations and provided a foundation that has continued to benefit me in subsequent roles and opportunities,” Maegann reflected. 

Her time at C2 Essentials gave her more than just workplace experience, it provided her with a stronger foundation for her future career and a clearer understanding of how communication, teamwork, and operations come together to drive success. 

As she continues her studies, Maegann carries forward the lessons and experiences gained at C2 Essentials, building a stronger foundation for her future career and a deeper understanding of the role communication plays in every successful organization. 

The Lasting Impact of an Internship 

While internships may only last for a semester or summer, the experiences gained can have a lasting impact. The skills learned, relationships built, and lessons discovered often become the foundation for future opportunities. 

At C2 Essentials, we believe in creating opportunities where interns can contribute, learn, and grow alongside experienced professionals. We’re proud to have been part of Paige and Meagann’s career journeys and grateful for the energy and perspective they brought to our team. 

National Intern Day is a celebration of the students and emerging professionals who are taking the first steps toward their careers. Every project completed, question asked, and challenge overcome helps build the skills needed for future success. 

Thank you, Paige and Maegann, for being part of the C2 Essentials story. We look forward to seeing all that you accomplish in the years ahead.