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:
Laura Prentler
She is: a sophomore from Jenison, studying Hospitality Management with a concentration in Events. Her internship is with the Boyne Highlands Resort, in Harbor Springs.
Her Internship/Making a Difference: "I am learning the duties of managing/supervising in the food and beverage outlets of the resort. I have been gaining more experience with guest services and the way a restaurant operates. I have also been working events, so I am learning about setting up, serving, bartending, and tearing down for different events. I am making a difference by focusing on excellence in service to produce the greatest amount of guest satisfaction."
Future Plans: "My future plans include graduating college in Spring 2023 or before then and working as an event coordinator right out of college. I am leaning more towards corporate events, but things can change!"
Advice For Other Students Seeking Internships: "I think students should get as much experience in the industry as they can. Ferris helps many students find internships and volunteer/work opportunities, so it is important to take advantage of those opportunities. I believe experience is the number one thing that employers look for in potential employees."
Other Activities: "I am part of the Honors Program, where I hold vice president's position for the Honors Student Council and President of the Honors Events Committee. I am a member of the Hospitality Management Student Association, where I receive many volunteer opportunities in the Hospitality industry. I am in the sorority of Zeta Tau Alpha, where I hold the position of internal social chairman. My job is to plan our formals. Lastly, I am part of the placemaking committee, which plans events in the South Quad."
Ferris Core Value Laura Relates to: Opportunity. "I am so involved on campus because I want to gain the most experience
I can get in Hospitality and at college in general. I want to have the best college
experience, which I think includes being involved and seeking an opportunity."
MEET THE INTERNS HOMEPAGE