Randolph announces recipients of 2016 National Gallery, London internships

Travis Byram ’18 and Katya Schwab ’17 will be interns at the National Gallery, London this summer.

Randolph College is pleased to announce that Katya Schwab ’17 and Travis Byram ’18 have been selected for internships this summer at the National Gallery, London.

Katya Schwab

This prestigious opportunity is made possible through an academic partnership between the College and the National Gallery, London. Created in 2014, this partnership is the first of its kind for any U.S. educational institution.

A communication studies and philosophy double-major, Schwab will work in the National Gallery’s development office. She is president of Randolph’s Macon Activities Council (MAC), where she oversees and plans numerous events for the College community. She also serves as a head resident, is editor-in-chief of The Sundial, and has interned at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

“Learning that I received the internship with the National Gallery’s Development department was a dream come true,” Schwab said. “I have yet to travel outside of the United States and I started searching for internships abroad last spring. I am excited to explore this culturally rich and historic city and learn more about development operations while fine tuning my event planning skills that I have started to develop as MAC president.”

Communication studies professor Jennifer Gauthier recommended Schwab for the position. “I can think of few better to exemplify our students’ intellect, enthusiasm, dedication, and maturity,” she said.

Byram is an English major with a focus in creative writing, and will work in the National Gallery’s communications department. He is on the board for MAC and is a science writer intern for Randolph’s Natural Historical and Archaeology Collections Project. He also works in Cheatham Dining Hall and as a learning strategies tutor.

Travis Byram

In her recommendation letter, Heidi M. Kunz, English professor and assistant dean of the College, said “Travis’s initiative and mature sense of responsibility make him a role model among his peers.”

Byram visited London last summer and got a taste of life in the city, but is eager to return for an extended stay.

“Being able to go there and fully immerse myself in the city as one of its temporary residents is going to be what I’m looking forward to the most,” Byram said. “I’d love to get some really solid experience working in the communications department, which is going to involve aspects of social media, the prospect of making short trailers for the Gallery, and working with older people who take this on as their real job.”

Elisabeth Price ’16 and Seisha Scott ’16 were the first two Randolph students to complete internships at the National Gallery, London in 2015. Price said the internship provided her an enriching and rewarding experience that she would never forget.

“I was able to mature in so many different aspects of my life, all whilst living in a beautiful city and learning about myself,” Price said. “The next batch of interns will have a great time and learn so much. They should expect to gain unique and useful career experience. I hope they enjoy tea and biscuits!”

“These interns need to be creative, open-minded and adaptable to be successful at their internship,” Scott added. “This internship was rewarding for me because of the ability to embrace a new culture, a work environment, and successfully meet the demands of my career field. Those valuable skills can be carried into any career path.”

Information about summer 2017 positions with the National Gallery, London, including the application process, will be announced by the Career Development Center this fall.