| Career Corner
By Darren L. Noble
Associate Director of Career Services
Internship Success Stories
Since 2004 I have written several Career Corner articles about the advantages our students receive while doing an internship. I've noted that they not only gain valuable real-world experience, but they also get an inside glimpse of a company, industry, or specific occupation. They gain key skills and develop relationships with future reference writers and potential employers. Ideally, our students will do several internships during their years at George Fox University, and through these experiences they can explore different career options. In this Career Corner I will highlight internship success stories written by two George Fox students.
Kim Carrick's Story
(Summer 2006 internship with The Portland Business Journal)
Current status at George Fox University
Accounting and international business (double major). Expected graduation date: April 2007.
Goal
To gain experience/networking opportunities in the accounting world that may lead to international business opportunities.
Why I desired an internship
I have talked with various family members in management positions/professors, and they all stressed that when a company looks to hire for someone, it's all about internships, internships, internships. Companies want to see that you're motivated, you've got basic experience, and you're willing to learn.
Why this particular industry
I went into the university's Career Services office, clueless about what I needed but knowing that I wanted an internship. It was suggested that I apply to the Oregon Management Internship program (OMI), and so I did. I proceeded to be accepted into the human resources/accounting track of 15-20 Oregon university students, and from there OMI was responsible for distributing my resume to companies who were looking for interns. After returning from my Juniors Abroad trip to Mexico and Honduras, I checked my voicemail and had an exciting message from the business accounts manager at The Portland Business Journal.
What I've learned
When you go in for an interview, take a look around. Make sure you'll feel comfortable-are people too serious for you? It's a lot about who you work with. I've also learned that if you are doing something you love, eight hours FLIES by … and I love office work!
Resulting from this internship
I will continue to send out my resume, continue to go to interviews, and continue to get my name out there until I find my ideal position - seek and you shall find. Never settle; a temporary position is fine but keep your eyes focused on what you really want to do. I have already had an offer for a full-time position this April after I graduate with The Portland Business Journal. This results merely from working hard and enjoying your time with colleagues.
Bryan Harada's Story
(Summer 2006 internship with 98.9 Smooth Jazz KWJZ in the Seattle metro area)
Current status at George Fox University
Cinema and Media Communication major (production concentration); business minor. Expected graduation date: April 2008
Goal
God-willing, I would like to make a record label after I graduate.
Why I desired an internship
I wanted some practice, insight, and a glance of what it might be like to work in a part of the music industry.
Why this particular industry
I wanted to learn how a radio station worked; the different positions and how each position commented each other. Also, I wanted to see how artists and record labels work with radio stations and their relationships between each other.
What I've learned
Though I had worked before at a smaller radio station here on campus, this experience really helped open my eyes to how a big-time station worked. An example of this is that I learned about how and why certain songs get on the radio. Just about everything that I learned was something new. I previously had an idea about certain "things" in the music industry, and this experience either confirmed or taught me something new. I also learned that God had given me a bigger passion for music than I thought.
Resulting from this internship
Next time I will take on less outside jobs so that I can take full advantage of the resource that I was blessed to have.
Virtual Internship Center
Our office lists internship opportunities and information online at our internship page.
There are additional resources for internship opportunities in our office, and I am available for individual appointments. Furthermore, our one-credit online career class, GEED 216: Becoming Workplace Familiar, which is designed for sophomores and juniors, focuses on helping students learn the avenues to obtaining an internship, conducting informational interviews, and connecting with employers. Sound interesting? If so, please encourage your student to enroll for next semester.
GFU Internship & Volunteer Fair
Our campus is going to host its annual Internship & Volunteer Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2006 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. in the Hoover Atrium. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to connect with recruiters who have internship openings.
Darren L. Noble, Associate Director
Career Services
Stevens 325, ext. 2330
careers@georgefox.edu
www.careers.georgefox.edu
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