Real-World Work, Real Impact: Erin & Drake’s Summer Internship at Clickstop

For many students, internships are a box to check before graduation. At Clickstop, they’re an opportunity to take on meaningful projects, learn by doing, and grow inside a culture that’s as supportive as it is driven. This summer, two of our interns, Erin Musselman and Drake VanGorder, experienced that difference firsthand.

Erin Musselman – Finding Her Voice as a Designer

As a senior Graphic Design major at Iowa State University, Erin came to Clickstop with plenty of classroom experience, but she wanted the chance to see how her skills could shine in a professional environment. She was also curious about what it would feel like to work in a larger company.

“It’s totally possible to feel valued in a large company,” Erin said. “Clickstop has proven that a company can truly follow their mission and values while highlighting and cherishing every member of the team.”

From day one, Erin was immersed in real projects that pushed her to grow. She mastered tools like the legendary Pen Tool with help from teammate Keaton, learned how to create better mockups thanks to Reece’s tips, and even geeked out over InDesign and 3D design with Mike. These weren’t hypothetical class assignments — they were designs that would be seen and used by the business, giving her work weight and purpose.

But beyond sharpening technical skills, Erin discovered more about herself. She learned what kinds of projects excite her, how she works best in a team, and the type of design work she wants to pursue after graduation.

“The Marketing team here is one of the hardest working and most passionate groups I’ve ever met,” she said. “They not only welcomed me, they set an example for the kind of environment I’ll be looking for in my career.”

Drake VanGorder – Building a Foundation in Finance

When Drake started his internship, he was just finishing his freshman year at Mount Mercy University. As a finance major, he knew he was interested in numbers, but he wasn’t yet sure where in the finance world he wanted to land. Clickstop gave him the chance to explore.

“Clickstop has helped me build a foundation for my finance career,” Drake shared. “I was able to explore multiple roles, which helped me figure out where my true interests are.”

Drake was given meaningful responsibilities that challenged him to think critically and problem-solve. This hands-on approach developed what he calls a problem-solving mindset — a skill he knows will shape how he approaches challenges for the rest of his career.

Perhaps the biggest surprise? The amount of impact he had as an intern. “I felt like I was able to make real contributions to the team,” Drake said. “That level of trust and responsibility made the experience even more valuable.”

Why These Internships Stand Out

Even though Drake is early in his college career and Erin is preparing to enter the job market, Erin and Drake’s experiences have a common thread. They didn’t just get an internship; they got a seat at the table. They were surrounded by professionals who trusted them to take ownership, gave them space to learn, and supported them along the way.

For students searching for the right internship, this is what sets Clickstop apart. Here, you’ll find more than résumé filler; you’ll find a place to test your skills, expand your abilities, and see your contributions make a difference.

Because at Clickstop, internships aren’t a checkbox — they’re a launchpad.