As students peruse local job listings they often notice that almost all jobs require previous work experience. For many students this can be frightening. Students know what they are doing and are ready for a job, but cannot get a job without experience. And how do students get that experience if all the jobs require previous experience? This is where an internship comes in handy. As an English major seeking a career in the Professional and Technical Writing field I understand how important listing experience on a resume is when applying for a job. I realized this and opted to seek out an internship for myself my senior year of college. Last fall, Dr. Soderlund, assistant professor in the English Department, connected me with Jennie Buckwalter, Assistant Dean for Community and Student Engagement, and just over a week later I was being interviewed for the internship. Looking back now I can confidently say that being a part of this internship has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic career. Not only did I get to meet great people at my internship, but also I’ve gained experiences in and around my career field that I would not have otherwise.
Internships have proven helpful in making the transition from school to work for plenty of others within the professional/technical writing field. Sam Ashman graduated from the Professional and Technical Writing Certificate Program in 2013 and was almost immediately involved in a summer internship at what is now D+H Financial solutions. The internship was a learning experience for Sam; it taught him the language of the industry and it prepared him to use the wide variety of skills that he learned at Wright State. From there Sam gained experience working in his field and was eventually hired to a full position in August of that same year.
Kate Hoover, a Mass Communication Major working on the Professional and Technical Writing Certificate Program, has also participated in a successful internship. For Kate, getting an internship is not required as part of her schooling; however, she knew of other students in classes who were having success with internships, and she didn’t want to be left behind. After receiving an email from Dr. Soderlund about a Marketing Communications position at Woolpert she immediately showed her interest. Dr. Soderlund mentioned her name to the company, she sent in her resume, and the rest is history. This internship position began in June of 2013 and less than one year later she was hired into a part-time position. Kate believes internships are necessary to build experience and to get ahead in today’s competitive market. Kate offers this advice to anyone seeking or thinking about applying for an internship, “Don’t think that you’re not able to do an internship. You just have to realize they know you are an intern and they’re hiring an intern for a reason. They’re willing to train you and mold you to become better. Have confidence in yourself when applying.”
As seems to be the case with all students, internships bridge the gap between school and work, and they genuinely prepare students for whatever may be awaiting on the other side of graduation.
Note -- Joshua Hemmelgarn graduated from the College of Liberal Arts in the spring of 2014 with a major in Professional Writing. During his time at Wright State University he worked as an Intern in the College of Liberal Arts Dean’s Office. As part of his internship he wrote various articles relating to the successes of internships and the benefits they provide.
