by Chris Brouwer
At the end of her first semester at Cornell Law, just as she was thinking about her upcoming finals, Avalon Fenster ’27 woke up to good news: She’d been chosen for Forbes’ 2025 “30 Under 30” list for Education.
“I found out that morning around 6:37, got dressed, and made it to class on time,” says Fenster, talking partway through her second semester. “I don’t think I’ve fully processed it yet, because I was in the throes of law school. But in the wake of receiving the honor, I’ve had so many young women reach out to me and share anecdotes of what my platform has done for them. For me, that’s the most special thing, hearing how something I’m so passionate about has impacted other people’s lives.”
Over the past three years, beginning in Fenster’s sophomore year at Columbia University, Internship Girl has amassed more than 350,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok, providing invaluable advice on internships, professional development, and personal growth. Her advice is inspired by her experiences interning for Fortune 50 companies, history-making political leaders, both houses of Congress, and several national nonprofits. Along the way, Fenster has become an influential, widely recognized guide and mentor to young women navigating the early stages of their careers.
Recognizing the hurdles faced by young women in the professional world, Fenster launched her platform to demystify the process of securing internships and navigating early work challenges. Fenster’s approach to Internship Girl goes beyond just sharing advice; she deeply engages with her followers’ feedback and success stories.
The “30 Under 30” honor comes at a pivotal time in Fenster’s life, coinciding with her first semester at law school, a period she describes as both challenging and exhilarating. Despite the rigors of law school, she has maintained her commitment to Internship Girl, ensuring that her platform continues to evolve and resonate with her audience.
“It’s definitely been a shift,” says Fenster. “I’m pretty used to balancing academics and work on the platform. But it’s different now because I’m in a new place. I’m managing my own home. I’m adjusting to a new social community, a new type of thinking, and a new method of test taking. My main challenge is integrating into a new life and figuring out how to preserve the integrity of the platform.”
What I’ve learned from law school isn’t just the actual substantive law. I’ve learned a new way of thinking, of approaching information, of approaching social relationships.”
Fenster says her law school experience has inspired her to actively encourage more young women to consider following the same path because of the empowerment that a legal education can provide. “My 2025 mission is to convince as many young women as possible to go to law school,” she posted on Instagram on January 5.
“What I’ve learned from law school isn’t just the actual substantive law,” says Fenster. “I’ve learned a new way of thinking, of approaching information, of approaching social relationships.” By sharing her experiences, she hopes to dismantle doubts and bolster confidence among young women who might be uncertain about entering the field of law.
One of my favorite things about having this platform is having the power to leverage it in a way that I feel is responsible and empowering.
— Avalon Fenster ’27
“One of my favorite things about having this platform is having the power to leverage it in a way that I feel is responsible and empowering,” says Fenster. “I try to do my best to balance my own personal perspectives with what I think is best for the young women who follow me.”
As for the future of Internship Girl, Fenster plans to evolve her platform to include a broader array of voices, particularly from young women globally. She discussed the shift in focus from her personal experiences to a more inclusive approach: “I can imagine a next phase of Internship Girl that’s really focused on platforming those young women and having them be the face of this new mission.”
Cornell Law has proved to be the perfect place for Fenster to pursue the opportunities that lie at the intersection of her burgeoning legal career and her established role as a social media influencer. Her decision about where to attend law school was guided by a blend of personal and academic considerations, deeply rooted in her aspirations for a supportive learning environment.
“Being in this very small, tight-knit community has been really integral to my learning and my growth,” says Fenster. “I wanted to be in a quiet, peaceful, beautiful place where I could focus. On my first day of orientation, I was nervous about classmates finding out about the platform, and I’ve been welcomed here with open arms. My peers have been very supportive about what I do.”
Something that I really appreciate about the student body is that everyone feels pretty comfortable being authentically themselves. When I think about the young women who are in my community who are on this search to fortify their identity and to really find who they are, this is an environment that has been really conducive in that way for me.
Fenster was particularly drawn to the Law School’s accepting environment and commitment to integrity. “Something that I really appreciate about the student body is that everyone feels pretty comfortable being authentically themselves,” she says. “When I think about the young women who are in my community who are on this search to fortify their identity and to really find who they are, this is an environment that has been really conducive in that way for me.”
With plans to continue her advocacy and expand the reach of Internship Girl, Fenster remains dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating pathways for future generations of women.
“I’ve had a lot of amazing early career experiences, but Internship Girl has been the most influential,” says Fenster, who skipped the 30 Under 30 celebration to prepare for finals. “It speaks to what it’s like being this age and having to navigate all these different priorities. It’s been tremendous to receive this honor, but I’m also balancing work on the platform and fully committing to life as a law student. Time didn’t stop when I heard the news. I just kept chugging away at my goals.”
