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: Chloe Tooson
She is: A sophomore from Westland, Mich. Tooson is majoring in both Music Industry
Management and Public Relations.
Internship: Tooson is spending her summer as a marketing and social media intern for Chene Park Amphitheatre in Detroit. Chene Park is an outdoor concert venue that specializes in R&B and Jazz performances, hosting events every week. Chene Park has been managed by The Right Productions for 11 years.
Tooson is completing this 12-week unpaid internship over the summer. Though her internship is unpaid, she will receive a stipend at the end of the summer.
Her Favorite Experience: So far, Tooson’s favorite experience at her internship was the Toni Braxton and Babyface concert in June.
“It was our biggest production so far and to see the process of putting on a big show is really amazing,” Tooson said. “All of the work we put into our shows is expressed through the smiles on the patron’s faces.”
Tooson said during the show there was a full catering staff, Toni Braxton’s staff, Babyface’s staff and their own staff.
“As soon as the show started and everyone started to sing along, all of the stress and work was worth it,” Tooson said.
What she is learning: “I am learning social media strategies as well as certain marketing and public relations tactics that are industry specific,” Tooson said. “Mainly, I'm learning things about the music industry that only experience will teach you.”
Core Value: Ferris’ core value that Tooson’s internship emulates is “collaboration.”
“Chene Park and The Right Productions staff members are a team. There are so many pieces that make this puzzle work and so many people that make it happen. This facility is truly a family affair. Everyone is just as important as the other,” she said.
Her future plans: Once Tooson graduates, her goal is to do public relations or marketing promotions at a concert venue or area, specifically in areas such as Texas or Colorado.