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:
Barrett JonesBarrett Jones
He is: A senior from Alpena, Michigan, who is one semester away from graduating the Sports Communication program. This fall, Barrett will graduate with a degree in Sports Communication and a minor in Multimedia Journalism.
His Internship: Barrett is completing a media and video internship with the Bismarck Larks, a baseball team made up of collegiate players and a member of the Northwoods League.
“I know the title says media and video, but I have gotten the opportunity to learn about many other aspects in the sports industry. While in Bismarck, I got to experience summer league baseball, which is not a collegiate sport at Ferris. I have been able to create content with a lot of ‘creative freedom,’ and there has been a ton of support for acting on my ideas. Aside from content creation, as interns, we are asked to go out and talk to businesses to benefit other departments in the organization. This allowed me to see how important the baseball team is to the community. I think that was one of the reasons I went out to North Dakota, to make an impact in people’s time at the ballpark and capture it.”
Future Plans: “Beyond completing my final semester, I plan to get another season working as a videographer at Ferris before starting my career somewhere in the sports industry. I have not locked in on where I want to work after this school year, but I do know that I want to work in the world of sports. The idea of graduate school is still floating around, but I think after this pandemic, the idea of being done with the school will be so rewarding. I understand that the opportunity to say I finished graduate school would set me apart from other job candidates. Still, I believe I can create that separation with my work ethic and attitude.”
Advice to Other Students Regarding Internships: “You have to put in the work to find the internship. Rarely does an internship offer land on your front step, so it is good to go to job fairs, network, and create an avenue for employers to find you.
Another important point is determining what you want to get out of these internships.
For example, I know I enjoy football, but I never had any experience creating content
for a baseball organization. Therefore, I wanted to explore the industry of baseball,
so I knew once I graduated, I would have a better feel for where I wanted to go. You
need to become a volume shooter when it comes to applying for internships. Leave no
stone unturned as you create options for your experience in your chosen field.”
MEET THE INTERNS HOMEPAGE