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:
Bethany McKinney
Bethany McKinney
She is: a native of Winterset, Iowa, approaching her senior year studying Sports Communication. Her minors are Social Media and Digital Communication and Integrated Marketing Techniques.
Her Internship and Making a Difference: Bethany is interning with Ferris Athletics. “I am learning the skills it takes to run social media for our teams as well as interviewing, stats work, graphics work, and communication. I am also learning to create relevant content that makes people want to engage. I am making a difference by bringing in a fresh, young perspective and creative ideas to help take Athletics social media accounts to the next level.”
Future Plans: “My goal after graduation is to do social media management in the NHL. I hope the experience I get while interning for Ferris Athletics will help set me up for success when I graduate and start my career.”
Advice for Other Students Seeking Internships: “Don’t wait until your senior year to apply and participate in internships. The sooner you start, the easier it will be to get a job post-graduation because you will have more experience. Also, take advantage of internships to expand your network. Networking is huge in the workforce and can lead to great opportunities you wouldn’t have access to otherwise.”
Other Activities on Campus: “I am a part of the Sports Careers RSO, serving as co-social media coordinator for the organization’s social media accounts.”
Ferris Core Value Bethany Relates to: Opportunity. “That was one of the major factors for making Ferris my choice. As I looked into schools, Ferris spoke a lot about providing opportunities for their students, from internships to events and networking. They care about helping their students succeed. I started interning for Athletics as soon as I started, and it has already provided many opportunities for me to expand my experience and network.”