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:
Gianna Mason
She is: a fifth-year student from Jackson, Michigan, who is majoring in Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement. She completed her internship at the Hillsdale Police Department.
Making a Difference at Her Internship: “One time we were doing a parade for a kid with special needs and an older man. Seeing the looks on their faces made me know I was making a difference. We were also dealing with a sexual misconduct case, and I was able to be a big part of the successful outcome. I talked to the parent in distress, helped her get to where she needed to be, and help them feel safe at the end of the night.”
Was Ferris Helpful in Securing Your Internship?: “Well, because of COVID-19, my plans got moved around a lot. I have gone to our career fairs, and I’ve met a lot of departments, but It’s really on us to get our internship. My plans for my internship fell through, so after a panicking day, I finally called and emailed a bunch of places, and the Hillsdale Police Department agreed to take me on.”
Other Involvement on Campus: “I’ve played two years on the Ferris State Club Softball team and held an e-board position for one year. I was a recruiter for Lambda Alpha Epsilon, and then I was moved up to the secretary and will keep this position until I graduate.”
Advice for Fellow Students Regarding Internships: “The class we were taking for report writing taught us things about bigger calls like robbery, whereas, in reality, we got a lot of traffic stops. It was hard adjusting to writing reports the way that the department I was working for wanted and still had to write reports to submit for my class.”
Future Plans: “I haven’t figured out where I want to work yet, but I like Ann Arbor or Canton. It’s in the area where I want to be and is relatively close to my family. I’m not sure where I’ll end up, but I’m ready for it.”