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:
Addision McKay
She is: A senior from Sheridan in Computer Networks and Systems.
Her Internship: Is with the Big Rapids Public Schools. “I’m learning how to build better, larger, and more secure networks in a team of individuals. I am learning more creativity when building networks and getting around issues, and I am learning to take charge when needed instead of sitting in the back seat and letting others take charge ahead of me. I am making a difference by increasing the security of the school system’s network and creating a better and safer learning environment for the students and staff that work there.”
Advice to Students Seeking Internships: “Attend the job fairs at Ferris, especially the one held in the fall. If you do not already have one, it is your best opportunity to find an internship. There are many people in need of student employees who are ready and willing to help you succeed in life.”
Future Plans: “I intend to move to a new state and get a job as a Network Engineer. I hope I could eventually start my own company designing and building networks for personal use (homes and small apartment complexes, et cetera).”
More About Addison: “I was involved with Ferris State Theater last fall, and I hope to be a part of their productions again this year, schedules permitting. I enjoy performing, especially in musicals, and I would be happy to do so again. I have a few small talents, including card tricks. I want the sleight-of-hand work it takes to maneuver cards to trick the mind into believing in magic. The reactions are the best part; getting to watch the shock on someone’s face as they ask me how I did that trick is what makes the magic real for me. I also enjoy crafts and art. When I am stressed or burnt out on other projects, I take to drawing, painting, or crafting. I enjoy taking nothing and turning it into something.”
Ferris Core Value Addison Relates to: Learning. “I take every chance I have to learn something new and put as much time and effort into learning that new thing. No matter how often I stumble and fall, I will try until I have a good understanding of that subject. Going into my degree, I knew that this was what I wanted to do, but I had little experience with it. I stumbled a lot and struggled to understand some things, but I never let that put me down. Instead, I worked hard, and I learned from my mistakes to become better at it each time. I still struggle with new topics to this day, but how would you learn a new subject without struggle? As people say, you must first learn to walk before you learn to run. I know the learning process will be long and tedious, but without that struggle, I cannot expect greatness from myself.”