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 internships this summer. Meet:
Kathryn Meidt
She is: a senior from Woodbury, Minnesota studying Computer Information Systems.
Her Internship: Kathryn is at FIS, also known as Fidelity National Information Services. FIS is a global leader in financial services technology. She is interning at their Woodbury branch. “I’m learning how to work with a team to create something. I get to experience being a software developer and building something from the ground up with a team of dedicated individuals.”
How Was Ferris Involved in Securing This Internship? “I was incredibly lucky to have a close relationship with my advisor, assistant professor Hira Herrington. It was the experience that I gained serving as his research assistant that helped me secure and succeed at my current internship.”
Future Plans: “Right now, I have my fingers crossed that I get an offer at the end of this internship. The team and work environment at FIS has been everything I dreamed of in a career.”
Kathryn’s Advice For Other Students Considering Internships: “Apply to as many internships as you can, even if you think you aren’t qualified. I have learned that no one expects interns to know exactly what they are doing and the goal of an internship is not to be good at it right away. The goal is to learn and grow so you can be better for the next one.”
Other Experiences on Campus: “I am a research assistant for the Computer Information Systems department working on bringing virtual reality to the world of education.”
Ferris Core Values Kathryn Relates to: Diversity, Collaboration and Excellence. “I would say that diversity leads to better collaboration and that collaboration is what brings excellence. In my opinion, these three values work hand in hand.”