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:
Laila Duncan
She is: A Summer 2022 graduate of Ferris’ Bachelor of Social Work program, with a minor in Public Advocacy. Laila is from Eastpointe, formerly known as East Detroit.
Her Internship: Is with Ferris’ Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center. “Through my internship, I had the chance to meet many alumni, campus partners and even the new president, Dr. Pink. I have learned the foundations of program planning, social work operations on a more macro level, and how to interact with larger minority communities, professionally. My major requires two internships to graduate. I was able to complete both with the CLS.”
Laila’s Advice For Students Seeking Internships: “Do not be afraid to reach out to people and ask questions. You never know where an internship may be hiding. Also, you should not settle for an internship you are not interested in.”
Future Plans: “After this internship, I am off to grad school at the University of Michigan to get my Master’s Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Leadership & Management. When I am done with school, I hope to open many different nonprofit organizations across the state of Michigan.”
More About Laila: “This past year, I was the Sargent of Arms of a registered student organization, You Beautiful Black Woman (YBBW), Director of Finance in Student Government, a member of Black Leaders Aspiring for Critical Knowledge, Co-Founder of Sistah Circle (the Office of Multicultural Student Services’ newest women’s initiative), and also a member of Lambda Pi Eta.”
Ferris Core Value Most Significant to Laila: “I value Diversity the most. I am an African American woman who attends a predominantly
white institution, so I have experienced first-hand what it is like to feel that I
do not belong at a university like this. So, I have made it my mission to be involved
on campus and in different communities to ensure others do not feel that way and to
create our community, inclusive of each unique student.”
MEET THE INTERNS HOMEPAGE