Ferris State University students gain valuable work experience through internships. Internships also can confirm or redirect career decision-making, provide marketability, develop people skills and enhance classroom learning. Many academic programs require one, but the experience is encouraged regardless to provide students with a better understanding of what will be expected of them in the workplace.
Many students are participating in myriad internships this summer. Meet:
ToShiro ‘TJ’ Johnson
ToShiro ‘TJ’ Johnson
He is: a sophomore in Music and Entertainment Business from Kalamazoo.
His Internship: ToShiro was an orientation leader for the university this summer, but also gained professional experience at the Upheaval Festival in Grand Rapids in mid-July and will work Lollapalooza in Chicago in early August. “In my internship, I learn the behind-the-scenes activities of festivals and industry fundamentals when working as, or for an artist. I believe I am making a difference by not only soaking in the information to spread it to the music program but also making connections with everyone I work with and nurturing those connections.”
Was Ferris Helpful in Gaining Your Internship? “When it comes to the Music and Entertainment Business program, there is no greater person to get an opportunity from than our program coordinator, Paul Kwant. He reaches out to the music venue managers to find internship opportunities for his students and allows the student to take full advantage of the internship and flourish.”
Future Plans: “I want to own a record label with really cool artists, marketers, managers, and everyone who loves music. I feel as though seeing the behind-the-scenes work and understanding the team you’ll need to run an event like that smoothly is the perfect start.”
Advice for Other Students Seeking Internships: “I believe in my field. If you love music and it is your passion, do not let anyone tell you that you cannot build a real career around music and have sustainability. The music industry is all about making connections and putting yourself out there, so if you’re genuine and people can see the passion, there will always be an opportunity for you.”
On-Campus Involvement: “I am the External Relations officer for Music and Entertainment Business. I’m in Entertainment Unlimited. I am starting up an artist RSO with the President of The Office of Multicultural Student Services. Several times, I have performed my musical content around Big Rapids and the campus.”
Ferris Core Value TJ Relates to: Opportunity. “I have found an unprecedented amount of internship, social, and academic
opportunities here at Ferris. There are programs here that aren’t at any other college,
most of which give you real-world opportunities to work in the field you’re studying
right after your first year. The amount of care the faculty have and how much they
want you to succeed genuinely shows daily through their work. I couldn’t imagine being
at another university.”