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:
Michael Kropewnicki
He is: a 2017 graduate of Ferris, with a Bachelor of Science in Digital Animation/Game Design, after completing an internship at Think Chromatic, a design agency specializing in 3-D animation in Comstock Park, Michigan. He transferred into the DAGD program after earning an Associate of Applied Sciences degree from Grand Rapids Community College at the Applied Technology Center in Grand Rapids.
What the Internship Has Taught Him: “I have been able to collaborate with my peers at Think Chromatic and learn more about the Unreal Engine 4 suite of game development tools. This is an industry standard, which I am now more familiar with.”
How Ferris Helped With his Internship: “I had created ‘Project Asphalt’ for my DAGD capstone project. It is an application that allows users to add accessories, to see what they would look like on a configured vehicle. My project was selected as best, for those submitted in the Spring semester. A classmate showed me Think Chromatic’s site, and suggested I get in touch with them. Now, we’re working on adjusting the application, so users can ‘trick out’ speedboats.”
Future Plans: “I would be pleased to stay with Think Chromatic. I just agree with the way things are managed, and the direction of the company. I will wait to see where collaboration may take us. The proprietary knowledge of ‘Project Asphalt‘ has meant a lot for me, and Think Chromatic. I have not finished playing around with the opportunities it presents.”
Advice to Other Students Seeking Internships: “When you are looking at a company, call them, and work to get their attention. Make sure the current projects in your portfolio are representative of your best work. I sacrificed a great deal of social time and sleep, but this is where the hard work is paying off.”
Ferris Core Values He Relates To/Observations on the University and DAGD Program:“Really, all the core values are applicable. Collaboration and opportunity fit together
in our discipline, and I may be more of an extrovert than some of my peers, but they
understand what they offer to each other, and what we can learn by working together.
I spent several years pursuing my degree, and have seen the program grow, in capability
and its stature. Offering DAGD classes in Big Rapids is an added benefit.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Michael Kropewnicki, of Ada Township, is completing his requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Digital Animation and Game Design with an internship at Think Chromatic, a design agency in Comstock Park.