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:
Carter Anderson
Carter Anderson
He is: a native of Rockford and entering his fourth year at Ferris. Carter is studying Operations and Supply Management while minoring in Lean Systems. He is interning at Gentex Corporation in Zeeland.
What Carter is Learning/How He’s Making A Difference: “On a wider scale, I am learning how Gentex’s supply chain operates and how it is supported in numerous ways. Specifically, my internship is more involved with identifying flaws in our warehouse operations and then developing process improvement initiatives to help streamline operations and reduce waste. I’m making a difference by contributing to Gentex’s passion for continuous improvement and innovation. I’m heavily invested in my projects and am identifying problems that can help reduce waste and improve safety at Gentex.”
Did Ferris Help Carter Secure His Internship? “My first contact with Gentex came through the university’s Career and Internship Fair. I believe it had a great deal to do with my gaining an internship with Gentex.”
Carter’s Future Plans: “My future intentions are not exact, but I know I want to be a leader in the supply chain industry. This internship will highlight my problem-solving and leadership skills, making me more competitive come graduation.”
Advice For Students Seeking Internships: “Simply put, learn how to interview. Performing well in an interview heightens your chances of receiving an offer.”
Other Campus Activities: Carter is the Secretary of the Business Professionals of America registered student organization.
Ferris Core Value Carter Relates To: “Learning. Adopting the mindset of wanting to learn continuously has been extremely
beneficial to me. It has opened the door to many opportunities and has helped me grow
personally and professionally.”