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 Arielle Kohler:
Who: A junior from Grand Rapids majoring in Computer Information Systems
Internship: Information technology at Amway Corporation in Ada, one of the world’s largest direct-selling companies
What she’s learning: Kohler, who is president of Ferris’ Association of Information Technology Professionals student organization, is responsible for administering employees’ mobile devices under the MaaS360 platform. She also helps train employees to provide simple support for those who need assistance and plays an active role in its consumerization.
She also works with the desktop engineering team to reimage machines and learn about the virtualization of machines and applications.
“This internship has helped me grow into the professional I want to be while maturing at the same time,” said Kohler, who is getting paid for her internship. “I can still have fun in the office, but I have a deeper understanding of how to get the job done.”
How she’s benefitting: Among different technical aspects, Kohler is learning how successful businesses work.
“This is a real-life experience you can’t get while taking a class,” Kohler said. “I get to meet and learn about different people from different cultures, right here in Ada.”
Goal for the future: Kohler hopes to find a full-time job, possibly at Amway. She hopes to continue involvement with the Association of Information Technology Professionals as a professional, and acquire a master’s degree.
Visit our "Meet the Interns" website for the most up-to-date listing of this summer's
featured interns. Click here.