2008 Woodie Awards
URI program offers more than 500 internships
Chloe Thompson
Issue date: 2/27/08 Section: Campus
02/27/08 - For some University of Rhode Island students, going to class, and maybe graduate school, is enough to know what career choice is the right fit.
But for about 170 students per semester, obtaining an internship through the Office of Internships and Experiential Education seems to create the ultimate preparation for life after college.
Jillian Connelly, one of two student internship consultants in the program, is a testament to the program's value.
Last spring, she worked as a production intern on ABC's "The View," and said she discovered exactly what she wanted to do after her senior year ends in May.
"Working at 'The View' made me realize I wanted production," Connelly, who is a communication studies major, said. "An internship really helps; it helped me personally find a path in life."
The internship, which helped Connelly obtain a job interview with "The Late Show with David Letterman" for later this month, opened up a world of networking and employment opportunities for her.
But program coordinator Kim Washor said yesterday that was not unusual. Washor said about 70 percent of juniors and seniors who participate in the internship program are offered a job directly from their supervisor or as result of networking from their internship.
The program offers more than 500 internship placement opportunities across the country. The office also works with students that find their own internship opportunities. Either way, students can earn up to 15 credits for the internship, including the 3-credit seminar, ITR 301 and 302, that meets twice a week. The program is open to any major that allows free electives.
The seminar covers topics such as how to write resume and cover letters, networking, mock interviews and even includes an etiquette class that requires students to dine at the University Club to show off their honed skills. The seminar also includes salary workshops and requires students to compile a portfolio of their work to show to future employers during interviews.
But for about 170 students per semester, obtaining an internship through the Office of Internships and Experiential Education seems to create the ultimate preparation for life after college.
Jillian Connelly, one of two student internship consultants in the program, is a testament to the program's value.
Last spring, she worked as a production intern on ABC's "The View," and said she discovered exactly what she wanted to do after her senior year ends in May.
"Working at 'The View' made me realize I wanted production," Connelly, who is a communication studies major, said. "An internship really helps; it helped me personally find a path in life."
The internship, which helped Connelly obtain a job interview with "The Late Show with David Letterman" for later this month, opened up a world of networking and employment opportunities for her.
But program coordinator Kim Washor said yesterday that was not unusual. Washor said about 70 percent of juniors and seniors who participate in the internship program are offered a job directly from their supervisor or as result of networking from their internship.
The program offers more than 500 internship placement opportunities across the country. The office also works with students that find their own internship opportunities. Either way, students can earn up to 15 credits for the internship, including the 3-credit seminar, ITR 301 and 302, that meets twice a week. The program is open to any major that allows free electives.
The seminar covers topics such as how to write resume and cover letters, networking, mock interviews and even includes an etiquette class that requires students to dine at the University Club to show off their honed skills. The seminar also includes salary workshops and requires students to compile a portfolio of their work to show to future employers during interviews.