Emily Holder
Strategic Operations Intern, Summer 2025
Some arrive for the educational experience. Some stick around, drawn to Bentonville, the people, and the work. Emily Holder was one of the latter. Today, she’s Art Bridges Marketing and Communications Coordinator, channeling that operational insight into storytelling, campaigns, and creative execution. Now that’s a true full-circle moment—and proof that sometimes an internship isn’t just a season, it’s a beginning.
Quick Facts:
Hometown: Denton, TX
Alma Mater: University of North Texas
Major: B.F.A. in Studio Arts
Q: How would you describe yourself as an intern, and has that evolved now that you’re a professional?
A: There’s always a sense of faking it till you make it, especially at Art Bridges where there are certain topics that take time to understand. The great news about not knowing something is that there is always someone around to help and answer your question. Now, it feels the same. I’m still in the learning process but growing more confident each day.
Q: Was there anything you expected to matter a lot as an intern that ended up not being such a big deal?
A: It was interesting to see and talk with my manager after the hiring process. I thought my degree would matter. As a studio art major, I didn’t know if I could get the intern role strategic projects. My resume still mattered but having a different degree didn’t put me as much at a disadvantage as I thought.
Q: Which meeting made you the most nervous, and why?
A: I was nervous to lead and train all the interns on migrating documents to SharePoint. I felt like I was given an opportunity to lead but I was nervous because there was pressure to make sure I explained things in a way that made sense.
Q: What’s a piece of advice someone gave you that really stuck with you?
A: I learned from one of my fellow interns to speak up more. I would get nervous I was being disruptive in a meeting or annoying someone, but especially in an internship I think it’s much better to learn and speak up.
Q: Any additional words of wisdom you’d like to share?
A: Ask for what you want. I notified my manager fairly early on that I was looking for a job and that Art Bridges seemed like a fit. I’m glad I did and have told multiple people to ask if they are interested.