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:
Doug Thomas
He Is: Entering his final semester in the Business Data Analytics program, with a minor in Information Security and Intelligence. Doug is from Grand Ledge and is prepared to graduate in December 2018.
His Internship: Doug is a data analytics intern with the Operational Technology Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Quantico, Virginia. “I am gaining real-world experience with data analytics, and learning how the federal government operates on a day-to-day basis while picking up an understanding of how the federal government executes long-term projects.”
How Ferris Helped Doug Gain His Internship: “Ferris gave me the skills and experience to become an appealing candidate for the position. Advice from professors and alumni, whom I had met through the Student Alumni Gold Club, provided me with interview tips and tricks that helped to seal the deal after my resume got me in the door.”
Making A Difference in His Internship: “I am in charge of data analysis that will help to determine whether or not a large project gets the ‘green light.’ It has been fun and challenging to be given so much freedom on a project and have my voice matter in the decision-making process.”
Other Activities on Campus: “I am the president of the Data Analytics Association, which is a registered student organization. I am also a part of the Student Alumni gold club and Ferris’ club rugby team.”
Ferris Core Value Doug Relates To: Opportunity. ”Ferris has given me so many opportunities to meet great alumni in my field, to volunteer in the community in a variety of ways, to be a part of university events and feel a real connection to my school, and lastly, Ferris has given me the tools to build a skillset that I can use to be successful no matter where I go in life.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Grand Ledge native Doug Thomas, entering his final semester at Ferris
State University in Business Data Analytics with a minor in Information Security and
Intelligence, is interning as a data analytics intern with the Operational Technology
Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Quantico, Virginia.