IsaBella Miller Gains Real-World Experience Through Preston County EDA Internship

For recent high school graduate IsaBella (Bella) Miller, a summer internship with the Preston County Economic Development Authority became much more than a resume builder—it provided a firsthand look at how economic development strengthens communities while helping her develop valuable professional skills before beginning college. 

Gaining a New Perspective on Preston 

Through the PCEDA Video Marketing Internship, Miller spent the summer showcasing the people, businesses, and lifestyle that make Preston County a great place to live and work. Her primary responsibilities included traveling throughout the county to capture video footage of local businesses, industrial facilities, and community assets. She then transformed that footage into promotional video montages designed for the organization's future website and marketing campaigns.

Getting Out of the Comfort Zone

One of the accomplishments Miller is most proud of was documenting Preston County's industrial sector. Although stepping into manufacturing and industrial environments pushed her outside of her comfort zone, the experience proved rewarding.

"I am most proud of all the footage I got from the businesses, especially the industrial side," Miller said. “This allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and deliver exactly what the Preston County Economic Development Authority was looking for.”

Beyond developing technical videography and editing skills, the internship also gave Miller a new appreciation for the role economic development plays in creating opportunities throughout the community.

"When I started, I wasn't sure what economic development exactly was," she explained. “Now, leaving the internship, I realize how much the Economic Development Authority provides for creating jobs and resources in the county.”

Real Experience Equals Real Confidence

The experience also helped strengthen Miller's confidence as she prepares for college. Working in a professional environment, communicating with business leaders, and managing projects independently gave her practical experience that cannot be learned in a classroom.

"This internship improved both my professional and career development by giving me real-world experience," Miller said. "It strengthened my communication skills and my confidence in my abilities."
For Miller, perhaps the greatest value of the internship was gaining experience early in her career.

"In today's workplace, employers are looking for candidates with the most experience in their field," she said. “I'm so lucky I had this opportunity right after graduating high school to hopefully put me ahead before college.”

Setting Off In the Right Direction

She also believes the internship offers valuable opportunities for future students and she definitely encourages others to participate.

"I would recommend this internship to other students because gaining experience is valuable, and it allowed me to see a part of the county business I never knew about," Miller said.

Reflecting on the summer, Miller expressed appreciation for the relationships she built with the Economic Development Authority staff, particularly Executive Director Robbie Baylor and Assistant Director Shelby Johnson.

"This internship definitely has put me in the right direction before going to college in the fall and has allowed me to build my resume," she said.

Investing in the Future Today with PCEDA

Programs like the Preston County Economic Development Authority's internship initiative demonstrate how investing in young talent benefits both students and the community. By providing meaningful, hands-on experiences, the Authority is helping prepare the next generation of professionals while cultivating future ambassadors who understand—and can tell—the story of Preston County's economic growth.