By Julia Mericle
Staff Writer
The Alumni Internship Program, a collaborative project created by the Career and Professional Readiness Center (CPRC) and Alumni Services, is heading into its second year and looking to expand.
The program, which had one internship opportunity available last year, now has five and CPRC hopes that number will continue to increase.
Pam Ferman, CPRC counselor and employer relations coordinator, said the idea for the program sparked from a conversation about the desire of alumni to help students.
“They want to give back to the university, but oftentimes they want it to be something beyond just financial aid,” Ferman said.
From her knowledge of the job market, Ferman also made it clear current employers are expecting potential employees to have internship experience before they make the transition from higher education to a professional career.
“It’s the hot topic right now. Everyone knows you need internship experience,” Ferman said.
Cody Clifford, a senior marketing major, who participated in the program last summer, interned at Nissan North America’s Northeast Regional Office in Somerset, N.J.
“Not only did I get to work firsthand with an alumni, but I got to network with other employees already within the company and industry itself,” Clifford said.
Ferman explained the benefits are mutual. She said alumni are excited to help Bonaventure students and students are gaining quality experience.
These real-world experiences can help students be more aware of the skills needed to enter their field, according to Ferman.
Ferman said while she studied to be a career counselor, she realized skills like public speaking and familiarity with certain computer programs were necessary for success.
“It is about some of these little nuances in jobs that we don’t realize until we get out there and see them,” Ferman said.
Getting connected to the College Central network, the CPRC’s online career management system, is the first step to becoming aware of all the internship opportunities available. This is how Clifford discovered his internship.
Clifford offered advice to internship-seeking students and urged them to search around and apply for several internships.
“Most internships are to gain experience, so apply for anything that catches your eye.” Clifford said.
Ferman said when students start applying for internships through the program, they must take a few extra steps, including signing a contract and attending a recruiting orientation.
“The orientation is basically saying, ‘We want to make sure you put your best foot forward, so here are some tips for doing that,’” Ferman said.
The orientation gives students a quick review of standards for professional dress, conversation with an employer, taking offers and accepting interviews, Ferman said.
“We put a special attention on this because we are working with our alumni, and we hold them in such high regard,” Ferman said.
When alumni give Bonaventure students opportunities for valuable field experience, the university aims to present its alumni with qualified and prepared interns, according to Clifford.
“Bonnies love helping other Bonnies. It’s a part of our culture,” he said.
mericlje13@bonaventure.edu
