HPU students share internship experiences
Marvel Studios is among the many compa- nies at which HPU students interned. Photo by marvel.com
By Faith Foushee
Digital Media Editor
Professors and other faculty often encourage students to apply for internships to gain experience in their career field. The Office of Career and Professional Development is on campus to assist students through the internship application process. On Aug. 30, High Point University’s Office of Career and Professional Development held an internship panel of eight students who interned over the summer with various companies like Nestle, Marvel Studios, JetBlue Airways, Reynolds American Inc, U.S. House of Representatives, Thomas Built Buses, Red Hat and GE Healthcare.
Anna Desbiaux, a student who interned with Reynolds American, encouraged others to pursue internships at the panel. “Internships are more than getting coffee,” said Desbiaux. “It is about being part of the team.”
Faith Cochran, assistant director of internships in HPU’s Office of Career and Professional Development, asked the panel of students a series of questions, after which they shared their experiences. Cochran also gave some tips to students interested in applying for an internship.
“Refine your brand,” Cochran recommended. “Refining your brand means having a professional resume, LinkedIn profile, social media pages and voicemail.”
According to Cochran, this first step is important because an employers’ first impres- sion could depend on how prospective interns look online. “Gain clarity by figuring out your ideal location, industry and other specific details,” said Cochran.
Gina Figliozzi, a student who interned with Marvel Studios, gave her own recommendations to students. “Find a company you are interested in and put specific skills they are looking for in your cover letter,” said Figliozzi.
Another decision for students to consider is choosing between a paid or unpaid internship. There are many websites including Indeed.com, LinkedIn and Glassdoor that allow students to sign up for filtered search alerts. These messages let prospective interns know that a position with a company of interest is available. “Using your resources is essential to finding the right internship,” explained Cochran.
A valuable resource that Figliozzi mentioned was HPU alumni. Figliozzi advised students to conduct informational interviews with alumni because they help students get a better understanding of the career they are interested in. If students keep in touch, an alumnus may be willing to refer the student for a position.
Corinne King, a student who interned with the U.S. House of Representatives, explained, “Companies love referral applicants because it automatically makes the appli- cant seem like a committed individual.”
Students are encouraged to utilize the Office of Career and Professional Development and to network with other people, including family, friends, HPU faculty and former employers to help find a suitable internship or career.
Cochran informed students that the Office of Career and Professional Development “puts on several events throughout the year, including mock interviews, networking advice sessions and a career expo.”
Laney Badulis, a student who interned with Red Hat, praised the Office of Career and Professional Development for how they helped her prepare for her career. “CPD was my saving grace and support system,” Badulis said. “They helped me talk out my thoughts and provided a clearer path of where I wanted to go.”
Cochran drew attention to the effort students should put into searching, applying and gaining skills for an internship. She stressed that it was not something that could be done half-heartedly, but instead requires a great deal of dedication. “Students should treat their internship search like a four-credit class,” said Cochran.
The event concluded with each intern offering some final, big-picture advice with students. “Do something you are going to want to talk about when you are not in the office,” said Scott Weigel, a student who interned at GE Healthcare. “Make sure to take time to reflect on what you are doing and how it makes you feel. It is important that you reach out to recruiters because sometimes it is about who you know.”
Desbiaux shared her thoughts on feedback and the difference in how schools and companies handle it. “There will never be a 4.0 in the real world,” Desbiaux said. “There is no room for growth if you get an A+ on your intern evaluation, so keep in mind that there is always something to grow from.”
The Office of Career and Professional Development’s website offers many tools, including an upcoming event schedule for employer panels and internship expos, and guides for writing a resume and cover letter. The office, located in Cottrell Hall, Suite 103, also has drop-in hours for students to receive help on resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn accounts. To schedule an appointment,or learn more about the Office of Career and Professional Development, students can visit www.highpoint.edu/careerinternships.