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:
Victoria Schmidt
She is: a senior from Grand Rapids, studying Business Administration, planning to minor in Operation and Supply Chain Management, with plans to graduate in May 2020.
Her Internship: “I am the merchandising intern at SpartanNash corporation, learning the career of a category assistant. This experience has taught me about the depth that some careers entail. Being a category assistant this summer, I have learned how to proof contracts for both the private and national brands SpartanNash carries. I have learned over 15 database systems that are used for my position. These systems are used for loading contracts, deals, weekly advertisements, allocations, new product forms, and many more processes. My project this summer is to reconstruct and rewrite the category assistant training manual, as well as reorganizing our stores’ planogram, to rearrange our products for an efficient shopping experience.”
Future Plans: “I would like to travel and explore careers before settling or accepting a job. This internship has given me many connections, resources, and knowledge that will help me for my future. It has led me to explore my career options and realize a different path I hope to follow professionally.”
Other Experience On Campus: “I am involved in the American Marketing Association (AMA). Last year, I was the Vice President of Professional Development. In this position, I planned and executed over 50 professional development events where members and students were able to learn outside of the classroom. This is a great organization to be involved in because it grew me as a young professional and prepared me for my internship.”
Advice For Fellow Students Seeking Internships: “I would recommend getting involved on campus. Expanding your network and practicing your professional skills is critical before apply and interviewing for an internship. I was able to use AMA experience to answer some of the questions that were asked of me, and even some of the employees at SpartanNash were involved in AMA. Employers like to hear about your involvements and hobbies outside of college. Get involved before your internship to increase your potential on your resume.”
Ferris Core Value Victoria Relates Most to: “I relate most to Ferris’ core value of opportunity because my circumstances have
made it possible to get this internship. Ferris has given me the right set of circumstances
such as an education that has taught me valuable information and the opportunity to
be involved in an organization that has grown me exponentially.”