McNeese Senior Interns Nearby While Pursuing Second Degree

Rachel Hawsey interned at the SWLA Economic Development Alliance in Lake Charles while seeking a second degree at McNeese State University. The senior finance major holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Montana State University. 

The well-rounded student stayed near her hometown of Billings, Montana, to obtain her real estate license before making the decision to join the McNeese family in the college of business.  

“My passion for finance was sparked after earning my Montana real estate license in 2024. That experience ignited a deep interest in financial systems and their impact, inspiring me to pursue a major that aligns with my newfound enthusiasm and career aspirations in this dynamic field,” she expressed.  

Moving back to Southwest Louisiana where she was born, Hawsey interned at the SWLA Economic Development Alliance, located in the Henning SEED Center across from the McNeese campus, due to her love for economic studies.  

“During my time as an economic development intern at the Alliance, I discovered that the most critical aspect of economic development is its multifaceted nature,” she says. 

Hawsey then shares what she plans to do in the future with the knowledge gained throughout her participation in the internship.  

“Moving forward, I will leverage these experiences in my approach to both professional and personal endeavors,” she said. “As a future professional, I will remember that building relationships is fundamental to success in any industry. Strong, lasting relationships, rooted in trust and connection with customers, clients, or patients, drive loyalty and sustained business growth.” 

 The senior, planning to pursue a Master of Business Administration next semester, was able to use knowledge gained both in and out of the classroom during her time at the Alliance. 

“During my internship, I effectively applied statistical knowledge gained in the classroom to analyze data from platforms tracking regional economic growth,” she states. “I also gained practical experience in listing a site, understanding the steps to affectively market and position it for potential investors and developers.” 

Hawsey added, “I advise students seeking internships to actively participate in McNeese internship events. Building relationships at these events can be key–my own internship opportunity came from a connection I made at a booth during one of these events.”