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: Devin Anderson
He is: A senior from Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. in the Public Relations program in the College of Business.
Internship: Anderson is interning with the Pioneer Group in Big Rapids, Mich. The Pioneer Group is the main source of print media in Mecosta County and a large component in keeping Big Rapids connected with Ferris State and other surrounding cities.
What he is learning: “This internship has already provided me interesting opportunities such as interviewing U.S. Congressmen John Moolenaar (R-Midland) and Bill Huizenga (R-Zeeland), covering a city commission meeting and going on a police ride-along. I feel that I'm improving my overall communication skills through journalism,” Anderson said.
What he is involved in: Anderson is involved in the Ferris chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, vice president of Alpha Psi Omega, acting with Ferris State Theater and the Improv Group and is an active band member of his band “The Balsam Brothers.”
His future plans: “My plans for the next few years are to move to Grand Rapids, Mich. for more coffee, music, writing and improvising,” Anderson said.