The Importance of Internships in Student Career Development: A Case Study from Ohio State University
On August 15, 2024, students at Ohio State University (2024 USNews Ranking: 43) showcased their accomplishments through the Wheeler and Wolstein Internship Program, which connects students with local companies in Central Ohio. This initiative not only provides valuable work experience but also helps students gain practical skills in startup environments and small businesses. The event, held at the Student Entrepreneur Center at Ohio State University, allowed participating students to present the projects they completed during their internships. Funded by the late industrial engineer and Ohio State University alumnus Tom Wheeler and the Bert and Iris Wolstein Foundation, the program offers scholarships to both undergraduate and graduate students, supporting their living expenses during internships. Cheryl Turnbull, the program’s senior director, emphasized that this initiative provides students with real-world work experiences while also supplying companies with talented individuals.
The internships this year spanned various industries, including business incubators, real estate development firms, and technology companies. Many of the participating companies were launched through the Buckeye Accelerator program, which aims to assist students in starting their business ventures. For instance, Parker Haskett, a student majoring in Information Systems, interned at ParaWave, a company specializing in drone technology, where he managed social media and the company website while creating promotional materials for potential clients. Similarly, Safa Mohammed, a student in Radiology and Therapy, interned at PointPro, focusing on customer relationship management and gaining insights into the tech industry. Biomedical Engineering major Harry Casey interned at the Ohio Innovation Fund, conducting market research and developing growth strategies for several Central Ohio companies, closely aligning with his startup, Almara, which connects cancer patients with potential clinical trials. Brady Foy, a student in Urban and Regional Planning, analyzed the current state and future trends of the real estate market during his internship at Spire Development.
Shannon Bradley, the project coordinator at the Keenan Center, encouraged students to leverage their internship experiences as they enter the workforce, highlighting the direct impact of each project on the companies involved. This internship program not only equips Ohio State University students with practical experience but also lays a solid foundation for their future career development.
Impact of Internships on Student Career Development
Internships have become a crucial component of career development for college students, particularly in a competitive job market. According to the Career Development Office at the State University of New York at Fredonia, employers increasingly prioritize practical experience over academic credentials. Jennifer Wilkins, an internship coordinator, notes that internships provide students with invaluable work experience, allowing them to demonstrate their skills and adaptability during the job search process. Many internships lead to job offers or serve as a stepping stone to graduate school.
The significance of internships is evident across various disciplines. For example, Victoria Bogenhagen, a recent graduate in Accounting, completed an auditing internship at a major accounting firm in Buffalo, enhancing her professional skills and clarifying her career direction. Similarly, Christine White, a History major, gained essential skills in digital archiving and exhibition production during her internship at the National Comedy Center, solidifying her aspiration to become an archivist. These experiences not only help students build professional networks but also enhance their employability and competitiveness for graduate school applications.
Internships serve as a bridge between academic knowledge and real-world application, allowing students to gain insights into their chosen fields. For instance, Natalie Wilkes, a Music Industry major, improved her marketing skills through an internship at a design firm, while Benjamin Kelly, a Sports Management major, confirmed his career choice through an internship with the Western New York PGA, where he developed customer service skills. Taylor Dorr, a Computer Science major, gained confidence in software engineering during his internship at Paychex, while Courtney Campes, a Biology major, acquired firsthand medical experience through an ophthalmic technology internship, clarifying her career goals.
The impact of internships on career development is profound, as they not only provide practical experience but also help students stand out among their peers. Wilkins encourages students to pursue internships actively, emphasizing their importance in differentiating themselves in a competitive job market.
Role of University Programs in Connecting Students with Local Businesses
University programs play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between students and local businesses, fostering economic development in their communities. For instance, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) has been working since 2020 to address the issue of student retention after graduation by connecting students with local employers. Despite the presence of institutions like Louisiana State University and Southern University, the retention rate of graduates in the Baton Rouge area remains low. BRAC’s initiative aims to create a unified platform that facilitates internships and employment opportunities for students.
The leadership at BRAC recognizes that the more work experience students gain in a particular city, the more likely they are to remain there after graduation. Therefore, establishing smooth connections with local businesses is essential. By collaborating with Louisiana State University and Southern University, BRAC utilizes the Handshake job platform to help small businesses reach students more effectively. Their outreach efforts, including television ads, billboards, and radio programs, encourage businesses to participate in this initiative.
The impact of BRAC’s efforts is evident in the increasing number of registered employers on the Handshake platform. In the 2020-2021 academic year, 2,133 regional employers were registered, which grew to 3,891 by the 2022-2023 academic year. This initiative has made it easier for small businesses, particularly those lacking human resources or recruitment teams, to connect with students.
Moreover, BRAC regularly hosts workshops to educate small businesses on how to provide meaningful career development opportunities for interns, addressing misconceptions about the role of interns. Louisiana State University also offers employers internship recruitment guides to help them navigate the regulations and processes involved in hiring interns.
Across the nation, many universities are striving to retain young talent through partnerships with local businesses. For example, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has created micro-internship and mentorship programs aimed at providing internship opportunities for low-income, first-generation, or BIPOC students. The Baton Rouge initiative has garnered widespread community support, with plans to collaborate with Baton Rouge Community College and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System to ensure all students have access to available job opportunities. Approximately 72% of Louisiana State University graduates choose to remain in Louisiana, primarily in New Orleans or Baton Rouge, thanks to these collaborative efforts that provide students with a competitive edge upon graduation.
Benefits of Scholarships for Internship Experiences
Scholarships play a vital role in enabling students to pursue internship opportunities, particularly those that may otherwise be financially prohibitive. For instance, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced on February 1, 2024, that applications for the 2025 Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship will open on September 1, 2024. This scholarship aims to support undergraduate students in fields such as ocean and atmospheric sciences, research, technology, and education, promoting interdisciplinary training opportunities.
Each year, over 120 undergraduate students receive this scholarship, which provides up to $9,500 in tuition support and a 10-week paid internship, offering a weekly stipend of $700. Recipients of the Hollings Scholarship intern at various NOAA facilities, gaining practical experience across multiple domains, including science, research, technology, policy, management, and education. Since its inception, the program has produced over 2,052 scholarship alumni from more than 350 universities, with 75% of alumni choosing to pursue graduate degrees.
The Hollings Scholarship aims to enhance public understanding and support for ocean and atmospheric sciences while fostering students’ career development in public service, particularly within NOAA and other natural resource and scientific institutions. Many alumni have reported that their scholarship experience positively impacted their academic and career trajectories, expanding their professional networks and enhancing their skills in NOAA-related fields.
Scholarships not only alleviate financial burdens but also empower students to gain valuable work experience that can significantly influence their career paths. By providing financial support, these scholarships enable students to focus on their internships and maximize their learning opportunities, ultimately contributing to their professional growth and success.
Success Stories of Students from the Wheeler and Wolstein Internship Program
The Wheeler and Wolstein Internship Program at Ohio State University has produced numerous success stories that highlight the program’s impact on students’ career trajectories. For instance, Parker Haskett’s internship at ParaWave not only allowed him to apply his academic knowledge in a practical setting but also equipped him with essential skills in digital marketing and client engagement. His experience managing social media and creating promotional materials has positioned him favorably for future job opportunities in the tech industry.
Similarly, Safa Mohammed’s internship at PointPro provided her with a comprehensive understanding of customer relationship management in the technology sector. The insights she gained during her internship have not only enhanced her resume but also solidified her interest in pursuing a career in healthcare technology.
Harry Casey’s internship at the Ohio Innovation Fund allowed him to conduct market research and develop growth strategies for local companies, directly aligning with his entrepreneurial aspirations. His work with Almara, a startup he co-founded, demonstrates how the internship experience can complement academic pursuits and foster innovation.
Brady Foy’s analysis of the real estate market during his internship at Spire Development has equipped him with valuable insights that will undoubtedly benefit his future career in urban and regional planning. The hands-on experience he gained through the program has provided him with a competitive edge in a field that increasingly values practical knowledge.
These success stories exemplify the transformative power of internships in shaping students’ career paths. The Wheeler and Wolstein Internship Program not only provides students with practical experience but also fosters connections with local businesses, ultimately contributing to their professional development and success.
Conclusion
The Wheeler and Wolstein Internship Program at Ohio State University serves as a prime example of how internships can significantly impact student career development. By connecting students with local businesses and providing valuable work experiences, the program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their chosen fields. The emphasis on practical experience, coupled with the support of scholarships, enhances students’ employability and prepares them for the competitive job market.
As demonstrated by the success stories of students like Parker Haskett, Safa Mohammed, Harry Casey, and Brady Foy, internships not only provide essential skills but also foster professional networks that can lead to future job opportunities. Furthermore, university programs that facilitate connections between students and local businesses play a crucial role in retaining talent within communities, ultimately contributing to economic development.
In a rapidly evolving job market, the importance of internships cannot be overstated. They serve as a bridge between academic knowledge and real-world application, allowing students to gain insights into their chosen fields while building the skills necessary for success. As more universities recognize the value of internships and implement programs to support students, the future looks promising for the next generation of professionals.