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:
Garion Adams
He is: Completing his degree in Television and Digital Media Production with a six-month internship at WKTV Community Television, which is a nonprofit community media center based in Wyoming.
What Garion is Learning on His Internship: “Since WKTV provides equipment for any community group that wishes to produce media, I am doing a wide variety of tasks. We create graphics for these projects, we operate cameras and produce outdoor music events, I have directed productions, including the taping of an 11-person jazz band. I had to yell my instructions by headset out to my crew. I have also filled in as a producer on the station’s public affairs/news program, which airs twice a month.”
How Was Ferris Involved in Gaining This Internship: “I knew two other TDMP students who were interning at WKTV, which meant I got to work with one, Dan Allen, as he completed his internship. Abigail Stricker was also there, she has moved on to WZZM-TV.”
Future Plans: “Since my internship continues until December, I am using the time with WKTV to hone skills in various areas, since community media presents such a wide range of opportunity. I have assisted in a film school student’s project work, and that is just one of many connections I have made here, which I believe will be valuable as I start my career.”
Other Interests: “I joined the Ferris Theatre group as a freshman, and remained involved throughout my time at the university. I also was a member of Alpha Psi Omega, the national theatre honor society. Our group contributed our talents to TDMP productions and supported projects for the Pharmacy and Nursing programs. I was also involved in “Live Statue” presentations, which were also performed at the University Center, as well as storybook theatre presentations. Finally, I was a member of the Improv Club and their presentations.”
Core Values Garion Relates to: Excellence and Diversity. “I also have strong feelings about Ethical Community, but
our TDMP faculty really focused on making students strive for the best content that
we could produce. I felt the professional support and critiques they gave us were
most helpful so that we knew what we needed to work on, while they encouraged us to
achieve that excellence. My time working as a Food Service employee was an examination
of Diversity and Inclusion in itself. I feel very good about that work exposed me
to. Also, the Ferris Theatre group was made up of a wide range of students, who were
accepting and inclusive of anyone with an interest in taking part.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Garion Adams is completing a six-month internship with WKTV Community
Television, a nonprofit community media center based in Wyoming.