As an English major set to graduate this May, Jonah Costen ’25 is making the most of his final semester by gaining hands-on experience in storytelling and digital content creation through his internship with Explore Brookhaven, the tourism organization representing Oglethorpe’s home city. With a minor in communication studies, Costen has been able to apply what he’s learned in courses like Digital Storytelling and PR Writing to his work, helping to shape the content of the city’s tourism brand.
Costen’s role at Explore Brookhaven involves updating the organization’s annual magazine and blog, ensuring that content stays fresh and relevant. From revising articles about Brookhaven’s must-visit parks and restaurants to making sure website links are accurate, Jonah is honing his editorial skills in real time. But it’s the creative flexibility of his internship that excites him the most.
“As someone with many interests, it can be hard to narrow down what I want to do in the future,” Jonah says. “This internship allows me to dabble in writing, video content creation, and interviewing, which gives me the opportunity to explore different career paths.”
One of his latest projects involves transforming a recent blog post, “The Best Coffee Spots in Brookhaven,” into an engaging video for Explore Brookhaven’s Instagram page. To bring the content to life, Jonah has been visiting local cafes, capturing footage, and experiencing the best coffee and food the city has to offer.
“The most exciting part has been visiting cafes around Brookhaven, trying their food and drinks while filming the experience,” he shares. “The managers and employees have been so friendly, making the process even more fun.”
With a mix of writing, digital media and storytelling, Jonah’s internship is setting him up for a future full of possibilities. Whether crafting compelling articles, producing engaging video content, or fine-tuning digital strategies, he is embracing every opportunity that Explore Brookhaven has to offer.
Jonah’s experience is a perfect example of how internships can provide valuable insight into potential career paths—while also letting students immerse themselves in their local community. For him, Brookhaven isn’t just a city; it’s a story waiting to be told.
