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Public Relations Student Gains Real World Experience at The Old Club Edit

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: Calsie Penzien

Calsie PenzienShe is: A senior from Richmond, Mich., majoring in Public Relations.

Internship: The Old Club, which is located on the exclusive Harsens Island in Michigan, is the site of her internship. The Old Club was formed in 1872 and offers a hotel, private residences, a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, a harbor and more.

Penzien is completing this 20-week paid internship over the summer. This is her second summer interning at The Old Club.

What she is learning: Penzien is spending the summer learning about different marketing skills and event planning. She hopes that she can continue to improve her marketing and event planning skills, as well as improve management skills that will help prepare her for the future.

“This year, I am in charge of coordinating the front office team,” Penzien said. “I’m learning how to effectively manage and delegate duties.”

What she is looking forward to: Penzien is excited to plan the events for Ladies Week.

“Ladies Week is always fun because it’s a week dedicated to fun activities for women like a spa, a shopping boutique, a cooking demonstration and a tennis tournament,” she said.

Core Value: Ferris’ core value that Penzien’s internship most emulates is “opportunity” she said: “Working through The Old Club has given me the chance to work with some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the Detroit area.”

Her Plan: After Penzien graduates, in May 2015, she hopes to work in the Detroit area to gain experience. She plans on eventually moving to Chicago.