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Summer Internships: Marisa Roberts

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:

Ferris State UniversityMarisa Roberts

She is: a senior from Grand Rapids Township, studying Construction Management. Marisa is interning with the Barton Malow firm.

About Her Internship/Making a Difference: "I am working as a virtual design and construction (VDC) engineer intern at Barton Malow. Originally, I was supposed to work at their Southfield location, but I am working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. My work consists of assisting in creating 3-D models from 2-D architecture drawings, model revisions, using different types of software, gaining experience in 4-D construction scheduling modeling, and sitting in on professional meetings. My internship overall has been very educational, since it offers more detail of what I want to do as I begin my career, getting hands-on experience in my field of interest, and utilizing the company's many resources. I am making a difference by adjusting and finding a positive outlook to my new workload from home and working my position as well as I can."

Advice For Other Students Seeking Internships: "My biggest advice would be to go to both Career Fairs. I was not aware until last Fall that there were two, and I think that I would have had more opportunities had I gone to both. Also, reach out to your advisors and professors to discuss what they think you should do to learn about the different companies that may interest you. Chances are, they know about that company and can give you good advice about them."

Other Activities On Campus: "I am going into my third year working for the Office of Housing and Residence Life as a Community Advisor. I am also a part of Harmony Project, National Residence Hall Honorary, and the Associated Construction Students registered student organization."

Ferris Core Value Marisa Relates to: Opportunity. "Over the three years, I have been going to Ferris for Construction Management. I have had endless opportunities. My professors in the program helped me adjust from high school to college lifestyle and educational change as a freshman. They have been incredible and provided me tutoring hours outside of their office hours to get help, and they respond to emails very quickly. By joining Associated Construction Students, I have been able to go on many site tours of different structures and visit construction companies. Getting to know my professors has allowed me to gain their support and enlist them as references for future jobs. Without the help of one of my professors, I would have never found VDC, and without another, I would not be working my dream position at an amazing company."

MEET THE INTERNS HOMEPAGE