Internship stories

Making exercise a science

Microbiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, nutrition, physiology, chemistry

 

Two summers ago, an internship at Union Station Fitness Health Club allowed Joe Schact to work with 30 clients as their personal trainer. This past year he worked there again, but was required to build his own client base, which he did successfully. "It's been difficult at times, but a great learning experience. It's important to make each client feel as though they are your only client. They must know you're there for them, and that's how you build your business: one person at a time." Read full story.

Sheena St. Hilaire '07

Sheena St. Hilaire '07 was recommended by her professor, Ed Hellenbeck, for summer intern work at IDEXX Laboratories, a nearby biotechnology firm. At the end of the summer, she was asked to stay through the school year. Once she earned her degree, she was able to take a full-time marketing position they offered her.

Who was helpful in the process?

Ed Hellenbeck is my advisor and I think by now I have taken every class he teaches. Everything he told me to do in class has proven true in the real world. If you work hard you will get recognized and rewarded - and I have.

Was the internship what you expected?

My internship was far more than I expected. I thought I would be making photocopies and getting coffee, and instead I was surveying customers and traveling to Wisconsin for trade shows. I have learned many new skills and was able to apply concepts I have learned in class. My internship experience has been one of the most valuable jobs I have ever had and has prepared me to begin my career.

What skills acquired in class have helped you in your internship?

Oral and written communication, presentation and organization skills have helped me every day at work. I am constantly e-mailing and phoning customers all over the U.S. and co-workers all over the world. It is really important to be concise and clear when talking with co-workers in other countries.

Would you recommend students to interning?

Absolutely. It is the best way to get your foot in the door. From my experience, if you are willing to work hard and prove yourself you will get noticed and rewarded 100 percent.

Kaitlyn Cunningham '09

When Kaitlyn Cunningham got a job as a phonathon caller in her freshman year, it was a classic case of potential meeting opportunity. Kaitlyn has a combination of maturity, poise and willingness to take on new challenges – traits that are nurtured at a college like Saint Joseph’s. That’s why we also hired her for the summer in 2006 and – when a staff member was going to be out on maternity leave – offered her a paid internship to supervise the fall phonathon and 10 student callers.

In Kaitlyn’s words: “I love responsibility, but I never thought I’d get professional experience this early. Over the summer, I had a chance to participate as part of the team during a major planning session. They listen to me here...it’s not like I’m just a student.”

Kaitlyn Cunningham is a goal-oriented student from Kennebunk, Maine. In addition to her double major in communications and political science, Kaitlyn serves as co-chair of the Justice & Peace Committee for Campus Ministry. She is a Spring Break Workfest volunteer, an actress with the Feeney Players and a Community Leader Scholar.

“The best internships are when you take ownership of a real job that needs to be done. We changed our thinking about hiring an outside professional because we realize Kaitlyn has ability, maturity, motivation and cares deeply about St. Joe’s. One of the nice things about this college is that it’s small enough to truly nurture student talent.” Ed Brozman, Vice President of Institutional Advancement.

LEARN more about internships at Saint Joseph's