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Volume 41, Issue 6
November 11, 2003
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January 20, 2004
Internships offer numerous benefits
Tiera Thomas
Contributing Writer
Although the career center at MCC has helped many students land difficult
internships, most MCC students are not aware of the unique benefits internships
can provide, according to MCC job developer Rhett Wilson.
Wilson said students have a “hard time landing an internship, and
give up quickly.”
He also said that employers see a person who has had an internship as
more likely to be a good hire because that person has had experience.
“I recommend every student to get an internship. It allows them
to test their major, and can be a bridge to employment,” Wilson
said.
Wilson’s internship program has a directory that contains a list
of prospective companies for students.
These companies have selected MCC students for internships in the past
or have agreed to participate in the internship program.
Wilson said the companies on the directory are not obligated to hire a
specific number of interns, but will if a position is available.
Former MCC student Serena Lomeli received an internship from a company
in the internship directory.
Lomeli, who is a biology student, said she had been looking for an internship
for several months and had not been successful on her own.
She finally went into the career center for assistance, and received the
directory.
She said she applied for an internship at Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Subsequently, she received an interview, and became an intern.
“I am actually lucky because my internship is paid. I definitely
recommend every student to get an internship,” Lomeli said.
She said she collects data for different research projects and the people
she works with are helpful, interesting and encouraging.
She also said she has been working for Arizona Game and Fish Department
for one year, and her supervisor wants to hire her permanently after she
graduates.
“I can’t wait to graduate and make more money. I have learned
a lot from these hands-on experiences,” Lomeli stated.
She also recommends MCC students visit the career center periodically
for assistance with finding internships.
“Students need to know that the career center can help a student
receive an internship. The majority of students who apply receive them
but the students need to have a flexible schedule,” Wilson said.
Wilson also said the internship directory is not the only place a student
can look for an internship.
“Students can easily land an internship from someone who knows someone,
such as an instructor.”
In fact, Rod Christian, faculty director of MCC’s business department,
sometimes posts bulletins in his department for students who are searching
for internships.
Christian said sometimes businesses call him to request an intern.
He said he coordinates with the career center to see if a student is seeking
a business internship.
“Internships are very important. A lot more students would have
them if they were easier to find and paid,” Christian said.
Another student, Jennifer Johnson, a communications major, has had a difficult
time finding an internship.
“I really want to get my foot in the door; but I’ve faxed
several resumes to the local television stations, and I haven’t
received any responses,” Johnson said.
Johnson recently went to the career center for assistance.
An adviser reviewed her resume, helped her with her interviewing skills,
and provided her with the internship directory.
Johnson said she had an interview with a local radio station and felt
it went well.
“I know an internship will prepare me for the future, and provide
me with the experience I need. Even if I’m not hired at the radio
station, I’m not going to give up, and no one else should either,”
Johnson declared.
In addition to immediate income and hands-on experience, Wilson said an
internship offers students the chance to decide if their majors are the
fields they ultimately want to work in.
For additional information contact Wilson in the career center at (480)
461-7814.
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