Like most students, senior Maria Krupienski feels anxious about finding an internship in her field of study. Looking for another viewpoint other than friends and family, Krupienski went to the Career Center to help with her internship search.
“I really didn’t know what I wanted related to my field,” tourism/event planning major Krupienski said. “The Career Center [consultants] gave me more research and great Web sites to look up what I hoped to find.”
The Cooperative Education and Internship Program (CEIP) at the Career Center aims to help students at the University prepare for a position in a professional workplace. Internships are a single term of work experience with one employer, while co-ops are two terms. The program is for all University students and alumni that have graduated within the past two years.
Senior Associate Director of the Career Center Michelle Simmons said the most important part of the process for students is planning and preparation.
“When you’re prepared, you’re open to more things,” Simmons said. “You’ll be ready to talk to anybody, any employer, at any time.”
Consultants provide students with more resources and ask them questions to try to narrow the internship search and focus in on what they might want. Consultations and services provided by the Career Center are free.
Senior Jacqueline Giammara decided to go to the Career Center to further her career research.
“I just went to the site, made an appointment… the extra resources and feedback were absolutely helpful,” Giammara said. “It never hurts to get ahold of someone [else].”
The CEIP presents workshops for students to attend, like Experience Matters and Workplace Success, to inform them about benefits of an internship or co-op. Experience Matters helps students learn the importance of gaining experience with an internship and provides tips on how to attend a job fair. Workplace Success covers tips for students to succeed in the workplace after getting an internship.
In the 2007-2008 school year, the Career Center staff prepared 210 workshops that 5,515 students attended, Simmons said.
Students can also use the WorkNet database to find an internship or co-op. Every student has a WorkNet account through their MYBGSU home page. Resumes students upload are reviewed by the Career Center staff to make sure they meet the minimum requirements, Simmons said. WorkNet posts job openings for employers looking to hire students and connects the students to the employers.
While 945 internship and co-op positions were posted on WorkNet in 2007-2008, 2,116 students applied, Simmons said.
“Because of the downturn in the economy, students need to anticipate and be more prepared,” Simmons said. “Students need to think about their career path, opportunities and what they need to do now to be successful in the workplace.”
Students can make appointments with the Career Center consultants by going to or calling the Career Center. Drop-in sessions are also available. Each appointment is catered by the individual and can last up to an hour. Students can bring in their resumes and have the consultants critique them.The Career Center is located in 322 Conklin North. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drop-in hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
