Each year, hundreds of Ferris State University students gain valuable work experience through an internship. The experience of an internship also can confirm or redirect career decision-making, provide marketability, develop people skills and enhance classroom learning. Many academic programs require an internship, but the experience is encouraged regardless to provide students with a better understanding of what will be expected of them in the workplace.
Students are participating in various internships in a variety of locations this summer. Meet Katelyn Crain:
Who: A senior from Ortonville, Mich., majoring in Journalism and Technical and Professional Communication
Internship: Marketing and Public Relations at Mackinac State Historic Parks on Mackinac Island, which oversees Fort Mackinac and a number of historic buildings on the island as well as Colonial Fort Michilimackanic, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, all in Mackinaw City.
What she’s learning: Crain is getting writing experience by creating content for the bi-weekly employee newsletter, “The Current,” and marketing experience by promoting special events at the popular tourist destination. She writes press releases and also takes photos.
“I enjoy everything about this internship,” said Crain, who will receive a stipend upon completing her internship. “The people are amazing, the view and place could not be better, and I am constantly learning how to better myself and give back to the organization.”
How she’s benefitting: “I am learning so much about things I only had a basic understanding of,” Crain said. “I am gaining experience, so instead of just being told how to do something I have the opportunity to actually try it myself and work to improve the skills I am obtaining through this internship.”
Goal for the future: Her Mackinac Island internship is providing Crain with knowledge of the business side of her major, such as effective promotion. She is considering searching for jobs in that arena after graduation.