Each year, hundreds of Ferris State University students gain valuable work experience through an internship. The experience of an internship also can confirm or redirect career decision-making, provide marketability, develop people skills, and enhance classroom learning. Many academic programs require an internship, but the experience is encouraged regardless to provide students with a better understanding of what will be expected of them in the workplace.
Students are participating in various internships in a variety of locations this summer. Meet Elaina Cipcic:
Who: Cipcic, of Reed City,graduated this spring from Ferris with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and an associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies with a minor in Psychology.
Internship: Cipcic is working as a legal secretary atRobert D. Stanton P.C. law office in Big Rapids.
What she’s learning: Cipcic’s responsibilities include typing dictation by attorneys, filing documents, answering phones and making appointments. The internship is providing her with an opportunity to learn first-hand how a law office operates.
How she’s benefitting: “I have realized that I am definitely in the right field,” said Cipcic, who is being paid for her internship. “I love going to work every day, and I find everything I’m doing very interesting.”
Goal for the future: Cipcic plans to attend law school and hopes to begin in January or in the Fall 2013. She has not decided where she plans to apply yet.