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Summer Internships: Meagan Tran

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:

Meagan TranMeagan Tran

She is: a Marketing major with a Risk Management/Insurance concentration. She plans to graduate in December 2021.

How did you get your internship? One of my good friends that lives in Big Rapids, Justin Fox, was able to pass my résumé along to an employee at Lerner Financial, and they reached out to me about the internship opportunity.

What are your main responsibilities? I am responsible for adding prospects into our CRM (customer relationship management), working directly with one of my supervisors on miscellaneous benefits tasks (terminating clients, adding in new clients to the system, adding new Medicare clients, etc.), sitting in on insurance renewal meetings with my boss and taking notes during prospect phone calls.

What have you learned so far? So far, I have learned a lot more than I ever expected about the world of insurance and risk management, in terms of insurance. I have learned all about the different insurance providers (BCN, BCBS, PH, etc.), a lot about the different types of plans they offer, different terms used in insurance, and how risk management techniques are beneficial for Insurance renewals and a whole lot more.

What is the most significant thing you have done during your internship? The most significant thing I have done so far during my internship is learning about a new and unique program my boss is running called the Michigan Care Consortium (MCC). I have been sitting in on several presentations with potential clients on the MCC and learning all about it and how it is beneficial to anyone and everyone. I am beginning to learn the presentation myself.

How did Ferris help you get this internship? I did not have much assistance from Ferris besides Megan (Connaghan) helping me get registered into the internship course, and my boss Michele Albright at the CLACS office helping me prepare for my interview.

Did this internship help you decide what you want to do after graduation? This internship has helped me get a clear view of what I want to do after graduation. It has helped me realize how much I love the idea of becoming a risk manager. My boss has given me a great perspective on what Risk Management truly is, especially when it comes to risk management in the insurance world.

Have you had previous internships? I did have one previous internship at BELFOR Property Restoration in the sales department. I did this internship last summer. Since I was doing sales, I did not have one location where I worked. I spent most of my days traveling all over Michigan, doing cold calling at hundreds of businesses.

What is your most memorable day at your internship? The most memorable day was the first time I was able to listen to the Michigan Care Consortium presentation. It was such a new concept to me and was very intriguing to hear.

Are you involved in other Ferris groups? I am not involved in any other groups. I worked at the CLACS (Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services) office this past school year. I was the student leader for the Volunteer Center. I worked on planning the United Way fundraisers.

Why are internships valuable for students? Internships are so valuable for many reasons. They give you a great view of what you want to do after graduation, even if you hate your internship. It allows you to see what you do and don’t enjoy doing. They also give you excellent hands-on experience that you would more than likely not get when not doing an internship. They allow for great networking also, meeting new people constantly that could give you a base for advice, friendships, and even potential future internships/jobs.

What advice would you give to someone looking for an internship? I would recommend they talk with Megan in the internship office. She does a great job helping with whatever need or problem might arise. Students should also look into Handshake on the Ferris.edu website. The CLACS office works hard on updating Handshake with potential internship opportunities and job opportunities.

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