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:
Kristopher Bunce
He is: a senior in Heavy Equipment Service Engineering Technology, from Big Rapids. Kristopher is on an internship with Team Elmer’s, a paving and asphalt service company, at its Traverse City headquarters.
What Kristopher is Learning on His Internship: ”What it takes to work in a fast-paced construction industry, where breakdowns of equipment can cost the company money and precious time. I am also learning all about a wide spectrum of trailers, from gravel trains, to demo trailers, lowboys and live bottom trailers.”
Ferris’ Role in Supporting His Internship: “I feel the university had a large role in my securing this internship. It seems that with the program’s reputation behind you, people really take an interest. The company I am with, now, also has hired a few graduates from my program. So, I think they were familiar in that respect.”
Future Plans: “I am still considering my options, but I would like to stay with Team Elmer’s after graduation and see if I can work my way up to possibly a service manager or running my own service truck.”
Advice for Other Students on Internships: ”Go on as many interviews as you can for internships, and to not worry about finding you dream job, but just concern yourself with learning all that you can.”
Ferris Core Value Kristopher Relates to: Opportunity. “Whenever there is an opportunity to possibly further my knowledge, I always take it, or when I learn about an opportunity for a job, I will apply if I that I can better myself.”
MEET THE INTERNS HOMEPAGE
PHOTO CAPTION: Big Rapids native Kristopher Bunce, a senior in Heavy Equipment Service Engineering Technology, is interning this summer with Team Elmer’s, a paving and asphalt service company, at its Traverse City headquarters.