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:
Cody Schlampp
He is: A native of Johannesburg, near Gaylord, and is completing his Bachelor’s degree in Television and Digital Media Production with an internship at Fission3. That production house in Kentwood is owned by 2009 TDMP alumnus Derek Rottman, and Schlampp will continue his internship through the Fall 2018 semester.
What Cody is Learning on His Internship: “I am creating motion graphic work and doing some post-production editing, as well as producing stop-motion animations for certain projects. I work on some of these tasks on my own and am looking forward to collaborating on more team projects, as we move forward in my internship. I feel that the TDMP curriculum has helped me to be industry-ready since Derek has indicated that I need little instruction to accomplish my assignments.”
How Ferris Helped Cody Secure the Internship: “The TDMP has traditionally been offered an internship at Fission3,” Rottman said. “Being a graduate of the program, I know what the students can provide in terms of production support. As I am well acquainted with a number of faculty members, I set up this six-month internship when I opened my business, in 2012. It has certainly worked well for me, and I believe the students get a considerable opportunity to prepare themselves for their careers.”
His Advice for Students Seeking Internships: “Make sure that your demo reels or any exhibit of what you have learned are of the best material you have created. That should include examples of any skills you feel you still have to work on after you have taken the time to produce your best attempt.”
Cody’s Other Activities at Ferris: “I have been a member of the Media Communications Association, a registered student organization which organizes the annual Ferris Media Festival each spring. I have also been a member of the Digital Animation and Game Design club.”
Ferris Core Value Cody Relates to: Diversity. “In our Senior Sequence class, the faculty would stress to us the importance of seeking diversity in the content of our projects. When I got to Fission3, it quickly became apparent that our clientele was after the very same things. I am glad that this has been emphasized, and it helped me have a greater understanding of its significance in my work.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Johnnesburg, Michigan native Cody Schlampp (right), is completing his
bachelor's degree in Television and Digital Media Production as an intern at Fission3.
He is pictured with2009 TDMP alumnus Derek Rottman (left), owner of Fission3.