Internships

The Pathway to Success

Internships are becoming an increasingly popular way for students to maximize their educational experience at Rollins and enhance their marketability in the job market. According to Elizabeth Boggs, assistant director of Career Services at Rollins, 80 students completed internships for credit through the Academic Internship Program  during the 2010 term.

Students interned in 23 states and in 10 countries outside the U.S., including Costa Rica, Croatia, England, Spain, Canada, Jamaica, Hungary, South Korea, Jordan and Venezuela.

By integrating academic learning with workplace experience, the Academic Internship Program (AIP) allows students to receive general elective credit while exploring various career fields as an intern for a professional organization. The goal of an internship is to give students the opportunity to extend their learning beyond the traditional academic environment and gain practical, college-level, career-related experience. In addition, internships give students the chance to work with professionals and make key contacts in a field of interest, as well as test and apply academic concepts and theories in a real world setting.

Paul Bennett (Class of 2011) interned in the production department of “Live with Regis and Kelly” at WABC-TV in Lincoln Square in New York City. He spent his mornings in the studio, greeting guest celebrities like Denzel Washington, Bradley Cooper, Mike Meyers, the Jonas Brothers and DEVO.

Stephanie Posner (Class of 2011) interned at the Food Network in New York City. Working under the Director of International Web Editing, Stephanie spent her days collecting content for the Food Network’s websites. She also researched different cultures, determining how the Food Network can sensitively integrate its content into the lives of the people of diverse cultures. Posner believes she got this highly competitive internship because of her love of food and traveling and her experience writing for the Rollins News Bureau.

Jaci Nora (Class of 2010) was a field intern for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Annapolis.  Jaci was thrilled to have landed this highly sought-after position because it allowed her to get her hands dirty and be out on a boat all day. Nora worked on projects identifying sea life in Maryland’s intercoastal habitats, determining if certain species remain consistent as the result of changes in the environment.

“A lot of what I learned in my classes, I was able to apply,” said Nora. “Rollins gave me the basics so I could have intelligent conversations with my boss and problem solve in the field.”

Chris Garlock (MBA Class of 2011) found his summer internship using Jobs for Tars. He was hired, along with fellow Crummer student Michael Yang (MBA Class of 2011), as a Research Analyst for FedVest, a consulting firm connecting small businesses with government contracts.

“Even though it is an entry-level position and the pay isn’t much, I’m finding the internship to be very rewarding,” said Garlock. “It is satisfying that my opinion and my role as a team member were highly valued by my superiors. I also learned a great deal about how the government interacts with the marketplace.”  Garlock further explained that the tasks he accomplished provided him valuable, real-world experience which will greatly benefit him in future positions.

Justin Braun (MBA Class of 2011) interned with 21C Media Group, a public relations firm that represents classical music artists and performing arts organizations. Because the company is small, he was able to perform as a highly valued member of the team and was given tasks that reflect this level of responsibility.

Felicia Erlich (Class of 2011) applied through the MTV website to get her position in the production department. Lindsey Hirsch (Class of 2011) found her internship with Liquid Assets Consulting Group, a wine promotions and marketing firm, on craigslist.com.

Jackson Nicholson (Class of 2010) was enrolled in the summer internship course in 2008 when he interned with the American Junior Golf Association. Because of this internship experience, Jackson now works for professional golfer Annika Sörenstam.

These students are making valuable connections that will serve them well in their future endeavors. Ginger McGraw, assistant director of career services for the Crummer Graduate School of Business, believes that, “networking is a powerful and relevant way of building relationships with others who can assist” on your professional path. It is a lifelong journey of “sharing information, resources, and ideas with others and is essential to your career.”

CONTACTS
Allisa Johnson
Director of Academic Internships
adjohnson@rollins.edu  407-646-2391


If you are unable to reach the above contact, please call Lauren Bradley in the Office of Marketing & Communications.