By Alexis Young
Contributing Writer
The Career and Professional Readiness Center (CPRC) recognized six students for their summer internships Nov. 3 at the Internship Summit.
The Intern Spotlight is an award presented by the CPRC in order to recognize the students who have been successful in finding internships. The program has been going on for two years, and this year the spotlight shines on six students: Toran Nigrelli, Emily Rosman, Brandi Mapson, Adelyn Graf, Andrew Bevevino and Lauren Hill.
Toran Nigrelli, a senior marketing major, had a summer internship at New Era Cap Co. Inc. in Buffalo. He acted as the Baseball Category Marketing Intern, which entailed planning and implementing creative ads digitally to be used in major promotional events such as the MLB All-Star game, the Fourth of July and the MLB Postseason, according to Nigrelli.
Nigrelli also said he feels his internship was a valuable experience because it helped him to further develop the marketing skills he has been learning at St. Bonaventure. It enabled him to build relationships with those in his field and gave him a chance to network with a variety of people both at New Era and with their affiliated partners.
“Use the CPRC whether or not you already know where you want to apply,” Nigrelli said when asked what advice he has for students. “The CPRC can also help students find intern opportunities and develop other professional skills that any good intern should demonstrate.”
Lauren Hill, a senior marketing major, interned at Nestle Waters North America where she worked in its Home and Office Delivery Division. She arranged meetings with advertising companies, reviewed artwork for the new truck skins and worked on promotional material for TV and social media advertising. Hill said that working for Nestle was a rewarding experience that exposed her to different facets of the company including upper level management.
“…Use the Bona connection and to step out of your comfort zone,” Hill said. “I was very nervous to live in a city for the summer where I didn’t know a single person, but I am so happy that I did because I was able to meet new people, gain confidence in myself, and get a glimpse of what it would feel like after graduation to live on my own.”
Brandi Mapson, a senior sociology major, held an internship at the Supreme Court, Bronx criminal term. She worked as the administrative intern and was able to work with Administrative Judge Robert Torres, which allowed her to attend trials dealing with manslaughter, rape and murder, and also assist with the various tours run throughout the building.
“My tips for others trying to land an assumed internship would definitely be to be persistent,” said Mapson. “If you truly want to do something go after it, and do not let anyone ever try and stop you.”
Adelyn Graf, a senior sports studies major, was the director of community relations and camp coordinator for the Newport Gulls, of Newport, Rhode Island, this summer. She ran five weeks of summer camp including meeting with sponsors, coordinating with the team and local schools for the FAN-atic About Reading Program, running the team’s Baseball Buddy Program and running the day-to-day activities of the camp.
Graf said she felt this experience taught her how to run an organization smoothly by showing her how to manage time and delegate tasks efficiently while also paying attention to detail.
“Start networking now— it is good practice for when you will be looking for a job. Try to see if anyone you know knows anyone who might have a connection, because that is what it is all about,” Graf said. “Once you get it, get the most out of it. Give it your all.”
Andrew Bevevino, a senior journalism and mass communication major, landed an internship at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. During the internship, Bevevino said he assisted the Hall’s digital communications on both social media and the web. He said he also got the chance to create a content marketing plan for their newest exhibit. Bevevino said he was able to put all the knowledge he has gained over the past four years at Bonaventure to use throughout this internship.
“SBU’s BonaLink [a website similar to LinkedIn] is a really great resource,” Bevevino says, “I highly recommend it. Other than that, just be prepared when you finally do get an interview.”
Emily Rosman, a junior journalism and mass communication major, interned for ABC’s ‘The Chew’ as a production assistant. Over the summer she juggled three different positions, working with the audience, working in the production studio and working in the ABC Studio’s office, she said. The experience allowed her learn more about the professional skills required in broadcast journalism and helped her to get a clearer picture of what it is she wants to do with her degree upon graduation, she added.
“Landing an internship is sometimes all about connections and networking,” said Rosman. “I would say be nice to everyone, because you never know who you’ll need to be contacting for a job one day. Also, dressing well a lot of the time helps for the same reason — professors will remember students that came to class on time, well dressed and attentive when writing references more than the ones who didn’t.”
The six students received a $50 gift card towards professional wardrobe, a spot on the Intern Wall of Fame and recognition from Rick Trietley, vice president for student affairs.
youngam13@bonaventure.edu
