From 9–5 to 95 Degrees: Summering & Interning in LA by Ambassador Morgan

From 9–5 to 95 Degrees: Summering & Interning in LA

How I’m balancing my first internship and first summer in Los Angeles

This summer marks my very first time in Los Angeles - and I’m diving in headfirst. Between rooftop sunsets and an internship with USC Annenberg Admissions, I’m excited to have my first real taste of what it’s like to build a career and a life in one of the most iconic cities in the nation. It’s easy to get swept up in either the grind or the glam, so my goal this summer is to grow professionally, but still leave room for adventure and a little main character energy. 

I’m sharing my game plan for balancing this exciting internship with all the fun, food, and freedom LA has to offer young adults like me. Whether you’re interning, visiting, or just curious about how to make the most of a summer in LA, here’s how I’m planning to do it all.

On weekdays, I step into the world of higher education and communication through my internship with Annenberg Admissions — and let me just say, it’s not your average desk job. As an intern, I get to work alongside a dynamic team, assist with student-facing projects, and contribute to making the USC Annenberg experience more accessible and welcoming for prospective Trojans. 

This role is giving me a real glimpse into what it means to be on the frontlines of university outreach. More than anything, it’s teaching me the value of time management, storytelling, and staying organized in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment. After 5 p.m., it’s time to let LA work its magic. One of the biggest perks of spending summer in this city is how alive it feels — especially at golden hour. I’ve made it a priority to explore a new vibe each evening, even if it’s just for an hour or two.

Now that Love Island is streaming, I have some of my sorority sisters over to watch while I cook dinner.o

Weekends are when I really get to lean into the “summering” part of this journey. Every weekend this summer, I’ve made it a mission to experience a new side of LA — and so far, it’s been everything I hoped for. One weekend I was in DTLA for the BET Experience and stopped by The Broad (free and worth it!), then grabbed tacos at Grand Central Market. On Friday Nights, I spend  the evening lounging at Jazz in the Park at LACMA with friends.  I plan to take  a trip down to Long Beach to visit the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and walk along the pier. 

I’m slowly making my way through LA’s coffee scene too, trying places like Maru, Alfred, and Go Get Em Tiger. I’m hoping to spend a beach day in Malibu soon, complete with lunch at Malibu Farm. Rooftop events, outdoor movie nights, flea markets, open mics in Leimert Park — they’re all on my radar. LA is the kind of place where every weekend can feel like a completely different adventure, and I’m loving that I get to take it all in. I came to LA for an internship, but I’m quickly realizing this season is about more than just professional growth. It’s about learning how to balance ambition with joy. It’s about chasing goals without forgetting to chase sunsets, too.

This is the summer I stop waiting for the “right time” and start making every moment count — whether I’m answering emails or trying a new taco truck. It’s my first summer in LA, but it definitely won’t be my last.