Avalon Fenster ’27, a first-year Cornell Law School student and the visionary behind @internshipgirl, was recently honored in Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list for Education for her influential role as a guide and mentor to young women navigating the early stages of their careers. Over the past three years, Fenster has amassed over 350,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok, providing invaluable advice on internships, professional development, and personal growth.

“It’s been first and foremost just a tremendous honor,” says Fenster. “It is really humbling to look at who else is on the list and the incredible other people who are doing really impactful projects and so to be in that company is just incredible.”

Fenster’s brand, Internship Girl, came to life during her sophomore year at Barnard College. 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 career challenges. Fenster’s approach to Internship Girl goes beyond just sharing advice; she deeply engages with her followers’ feedback and success stories.

“What’s really special,” notes Fenster, “is that I’ve had so many young women reach out to me and not just congratulate me but also share anecdotes of what my platform has done for them and how it’s impacted them.”

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.

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,” says Fenster. “So, 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 New York heritage and her aspirations for a supportive learning environment.

“For me, Cornell was just kind of a no brainer,” says Fenster. “I think being in this very small, tight-knit community has been really integral to my learning and my growth. I wanted to be in a quiet, peaceful, beautiful place where I could focus.”

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 notes. “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.