Having an internship at least once during your college career has definitely become the norm, but finding an internship that you actually enjoy is not. It seems we are constantly trying to find an internship that is more than just sitting at a desk, running errands, and crunching data into a spreadsheet. I have found four fabulous females with internships that challenged them every day:
Milena Vulopas ‘16
Major: Political Science
Internship: European Parliament in Brussels
Tell us about your internship. What do you do?
This semester I have been studying abroad in Belgium and interning with a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) in Brussels. The work I do at my internship varies. Since it is a huge political institution it is constantly busy. I sit in an office with my MEP and other colleagues and help them with what they need, whether that be attending meetings, summarizing documents, or running errands around the building.
How did you find this internship? Were you nervous to begin?
I have always wanted to study abroad and when I was researching places to go I cam across the Leuven Internship Program. I was really interested in the internship portion because it went well with my Political Science major. I found out all of the information out about the program through the Study Abroad Office’s website and info sessions. When we arrived in Belgium we were given our MEP assignment about a week before we would start. I was very nervous! I had never worked in this kind of setting before and being placed in an office without any clue as to what kind of work I would be doing was a bit nerve wracking. Luckily, my office is kind.
How did you get there?
In order to apply for this internship you need to apply to the study abroad program in Belgium, this includes submitting a resume and writing sample. Once you are approved by the CIP you then await your acceptance into the program from the Program Director in Belgium. Here is the link the info for the program at the CIP website. I also would encourage anyone interested to talk to people who have participated in the program previously.
Kelsey Lazicki ‘16
Major: Communications and Economics
Internship: Pocono Raceway
Tell us about your internship. What did you do?
I think a better question would be, “what didn’t I do?” This past summer, I was considered an “overall intern” meaning I worked for pretty much any department that needed me. My main boss was the senior director of corporate sponsorships, but I did not only work for him. I worked a lot with the media department, getting hands on experience with the social media. I organized multiple events that took place during race weekends, such as the qualifier for the Annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest held in July. I worked with their retail and learned how to gather data based on past races and other races. I also moved a lot of tables, chairs, beer, and ice – I gained a good amount of arm and leg muscle thanks to this unique internship.
Can you say Nascar!? So, how did you get there?
I applied online, and received a call that I would be interviewing with the Senior Manager of Corporate Sponsorships, and with the CEO of the corresponding company affiliated with the raceway. Called Mountain Concessions. The interview was not too hard, but it was definitely not easy. I got a call a few weeks later asking for my start date! If you are interested in this internship, you can check out more info here.
Cheryl Rozinski ‘16
Major: Business Administration
Internship: Center for Student Missions
Tell us about your internship.
In simplest terms, last summer, I facilitated one week long mission trip experiences in Washington DC for youth groups from across the country. I acted as a facilitator, taking care of details and leading discussions. I lead groups around Washington DC and explained our many activities. We were serving, touring, eating at restaurants, and reflecting. I had 8 groups of 11 to 15 people each week.
How did you get there?
Last summer, I facilitated mission trips in Appalachia and I wanted to facilitate mission trips again. Beth Ford posted about CSM on the Weekly service Facebook group and in a Holy Spirit moment, I clicked the link. As soon as I started reading, I fell in love with program and felt called to apply. I was never nervous because I felt with God. I prayed about my summer and I hoped that God had a plan in all of it and he sure did. Basically, the application was in three rounds: essays and references, interview with your first choice city director, and a site visit to your closest city housing, in which you would stay overnight. I made it through all three rounds, and got a call within a week with an offer! If you are interested in this job, you can check out some info here, or check out my blog for some insider insight.
Juliann McGowan ‘16
Major: Business Administration
Internship: Disney College Program
Tell us about your internship. What do you do?I am currently interning in the Full Service Food and Beverage Role at Walt Disney World in Cinderella’s Royal Table in Cinderella Castle. I am one of Cinderella’s Royal Seaters, but my role involves way more. I am working beside managers every day and learning how to deal with high levels of guest interaction, which is perfect for my Business Administration major in the department of Management.
That’s awesome! So, what was a normal day like for you?Every day is different here at Magic Kingdom. There are a total of 11 roles that I can play in the story each day. Some days I am checking in guests at the podium, making sure they have the best impression of the castle before even stepping foot in the door. I can be the lobby greeter, calling out the guests names when their royal table is all set for them to head upstairs into the dining room. A couple other roles are possibilities as well and it changed every day. We have 1 or 2 days off a week to ourselves, which I spend in one of the four kingdoms, because I am obsessed with everything Disney, as anyone who knows me knows.
How did you get there?
I applied to this program on their site! If anyone is interested in learning more, the Disney College Program website has all the information needed and also I am always available to be contacted!