Success Spotlight
Josh Lacey
Major: Criminal Justice
Internship Site: Pennsylvania State Police
Career Goal: To become a Pennsylvania State Trooper.
Getting the Internship: I inquired about an Internship with Professor Renzema. He was put into contact with Lt. Thomas McDaniel, PSP Troop L Reading Criminal Investigating Supervisor. I then had to go through a simple background investigation by the PSP. Once I had the okay, I started as soon as the fall semester started.
My Internship Experience: The overall experience was great. I enjoyed every minute I was there. This internship meant more to me personally because this is the agency with which I would like to have a career.
Megan McCormick
Major: Leisure & Sports Study
Internship Site: Dance Sport
My Internship Experience: I had a great experience overall at my internship. Although it was difficult to get around New York I loved the challenge. My internship supervisor was my favorite and least favorite part about my internship. She was so nice and let me generally choose my own hours. When it came time for something to get done, she did not take no for an answer. She had high expectations of me. I completed every task she asked me to do. The people were great and the atmosphere was amazing.
Randi Meredith
Major: Communication Design
Internship Site: Reebok International
Career Goal: Art Director or operate my own freelance studio
Getting the Internship: I initially met with a recruiter at the Kutztown Fall Job & Internship Fair, I then submitted an online application and a few weeks later I was contacted by Reebok's Design Recruiter and asked to complete a project specific to the color/graphics internship along with a portfolio of my work. I was contacted again about a month later to setup a Skype interview with some members of Reebok's Color & Graphics Team. The day after the interview I received a call to set up a second interview. During the second interview I was offered the internship. Hooray!
Justin McCurdy
Major: Marketing
Internship Site: KU Small Business Development Center
Career Goal: My goal is to work for an advertising agency in the creative department as a copywriter and maybe creative director.
Getting the Internship: I was told about the internship through my advisor. She was able to set up and get me in contact with the SBDC. After filling out paper work and having an interview the internship was set up and ready to go about 2 weeks before the semester started.
My Internship Experience: The SMDC is a great working environment. All of the staff are professional and personable. I was able to learn a lot of information and build strong connections. The internship was such a success in the fall that I was able to create a new position and continue interning at the SBDC this spring
Raelene Wise
Major: Elementary Education/Early Childhood
Internship Site: St. John's Church
Career Goal: To become an Early Elementary School Teacher
Getting the Internship: I choose to take the internship to gain an extra clinical experience and to fulfill an elective requirement.
My Internship Experience: My internship experience was wonderful. By taking the internship I was able to take away many more experiences and lessons than I would have been able to in a regular semester class.
Will McLaughlin
Major: Political Science
Internship Site: Independent Regulatory Review Commission
Career Goal: Once I finish my Master's degree in International Development, I would like to work for the United Nations.
Getting the Internship: I first heard about the Harrisburg Internship Semester from one of my teachers. I talked to KU's Campus Coordinator about the program and then submitted my application. After being selected, I went to Harrisburg to interview for three different state agencies. I was eventually placed at IRRC.
My Internship Experience: I couldn't have hoped for anything better! I did not realize the importance of doing an internship until I was actually in Harrisburg, writing press releases, attending committee meetings, and helping to make public policy decisions.
Kaitlin Belli
Major: Psychology
Internship Site: Creative Health Services
My Internship Experience: Excellent. Great learning experience, staff was great to work with, clients were very nice and willing to discuss their mental illnesses, supervisor was very helpful.
Challenges: Space was limited in IOP department where I worked, but company is moving to a new building, so that will not be a problem.
Kathleen Bittner
Major: English - Professional Writing
Internship Site: KU University Relations Department
My Internship Experience: I truly did learn a lot about public relations and writing while at my internship.I worked two days a week, but tried to still immerse myself as much as possible in what was going on in University Relations at KU.It was interesting to intern inside the administration and still take classes as a student.I was able to walk away with a great portfolio of writing samples and also many networking references.
April Maddona
Major: Electronic Media
Internship Site: Medstar Television
My Internship Experience:I learned so much on my FIRST DAY. Having an internship has taught me so much more than any classroom lecture could have. Of course, my time at KU has given me the background needed, but actually being in the field has taught me so much more. Each day is filled with something new.
Challenges: Because "Forensic Files" is a law type of show, I was faced with not understanding police/FBI jargon when I would have to make phone calls to district attorneys offices, courthouses, etc.
Jackie Kampf
Major: Marketing
Internship Site: Trenton Thunder
My Internship Experience: I absolutely loved the internship! At first, we were getting adjusted to each other and doing a lot of grunt work around the stadium and office, but after we were settled in and used to the employees, things got a lot better. We worked in the office 2 days a week. Every day we would work in the call center for 2 hours making phone calls to people that had purchased tickets in the past and asking them if they would like to purchase more for the current season. After lunch, we would work in our designated departments. Every 2 weeks we would switch departments so we got a taste of everything. We worked in the following departments: Administration, Accounting, Stadium Operations, Merchandise, Marketing, PR, and Production. We also worked every home game as game-day staff doing different jobs such as ushering, handing out give-always, running with the mascot, games, guest services, and more.
Jenna Palermo
Major: Communication Design
Getting the Internship:This internship was through KU. All Communication Design majors have the opportunity to be placed at an internship in their senior year as long as their GPA is a 3.0 or better!
My Internship Experience: Working with such a big company was a great experience. I learned not only about my field of graphic design (more specifically package design) but I also got a taste of how all of the different entities merge to create and manage the finished product. I was fortunate enough to see new product ideas and development, take part in meetings, and even go to two photo shoots. The atmosphere is fun and energetic and you'll never see a wall painted white.
Lisa Wei
Major: Communication Design
Internship Site: Suzy Rae Design
My Internship Experience: My Internship experience was great. I was afraid I would be working someplace huge where I would be getting the coffee and be working with different people each day. Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to intern at a small design studio in Wyomissing, PA. Everyone there was very kind and helpful and much to my surprise, I actually enjoyed my experience! I learned so many skills in my eight weeks there and everyone was really helpful about teaching me all those little things they don't cover in class. I know internship sounds scary but just take a deep breath and get out there! In the end, I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
Lauren Eby
Major: Communication Design
Getting the Internship: My internship was with Binney & Smith. I applied for this internship through the CD Department at Kutztown.
My Internship Experience: It was an incredible learning experience. Despite the long commute, I looked forward to going to work everyday.
Challenges: There really were no challenges. I was shy at first but everyone was so helpful and friendly I overcame my shyness quickly.
Benefits: The experience at Crayola was invaluable. I learned many new tips and tricks in my field and worked directly with professionals.
What I learned: Employees at intern sites seem to be very invested in helping Kutztown students have a positive learning experience. Don't be afraid to show your talents at your internship site. I recommend it highly for all college students.
Tips from Lauren: Make a good impression. Dress appropriately and always be on time.
Laura Mursch
Major: Communication Design
Getting the Internship: My internship was with the Township of Spring. Throughout my career at Kutztown, I worked hard to demonstrate my abilities in the classroom and solidified positive relationships with my professors. When I needed an internship I approached my professors about finding one. He emailed a contact from my internship, and spoke well of my abilities. A couple weeks later, I received a request for my resume. My thoughtful cover letter and resume impressed my future employers, so I had a short interview and started the following week.
My Internship Experience: I absolutely love my internship! It is so great to finally start applying my class work within real world experiences. There is a feeling of accomplishment when I step back and realize that this is what I set out to do, and this is something that I want to do. I have learned just as much, if not more, in my internship than in my classes on campus.
Challenges: The biggest challenge in my internship would have been building the confidence to complete my first assignment. I've learned so much on campus, but never had to apply it in a situation in which my work would be utilized by many. When I first started, I was nervous and unsure of myself. As time progressed, I realized I knew the basics to complete the projects to which I was assigned, and my first step is to begin them.
Benefits: An internship reinforced the concepts I studied in class. It gave me the confidence to seek out and apply for my first job, and to know how to do so.
What I learned: I learned that the university prepared me for much more than I expected.
Tips from Lauren: Take an internship, even if you're not required to. When there, don't settle for anything less than what you expect from your internship. You can only learn as much as you are willing.
Rashaun Hernandez-Copeland
Major: Psychology and Criminal Justice
Internship Site: The PA State Police in Reading, Troop L
Career Goal: To become a Criminal Investigator with The PA State Police
Getting the Internship: I visited the location, and had a conversation with the Commander about why I wanted the internship.
Marissa Kenney
Major: Electronic Media & English/Professional Writing
Getting Two Internships:As a dual major, I was required to do two, separate internships before graduation. I decided to complete the Pro Writing internship first, and applied to Reese Advertising. I interviewed and was accepted into their summer program. For Electronic Media, the internship selection process is more tedious. I chose my five internship sites of interest. I applied and interviewed at NFL Films and the Baltimore Ravens. I received offers from both locations and chose NFL Films. I was then placed in the producer's department and selected to work on its top rated show, Inside the NFL.
Janelle Margolis
Major: Electronic Media
Internship Site: Late Night with Conan O'Brien
My Internship Experience: I honestly have to say that my internship experience was the best experience I've had in my life. I learned an incredible amount about television and how late night television operates. My goal for my career is to be a producer but while I was a research intern, I found a passion in research with television. NBC Universal is a great place to intern at and everyone treats you with kindness and is always willing to help and teach you. Interning at Late Night has opened many doors and has allowed me to make a lot of contacts for job opportunities after graduation.
Brittany Mike
Major: English/Professional Writing
Internship Site: KU Public Relations Office & Wild River Review Magazine
My Internship Experience: was helpful and hectic. They were both short due to the lack of information that was provided to me. I gained major editing and proofreading experience with the University Relations Office under Craig Williams. I was also allowed to witness the inner workings of a higher education publication. With WRR, I experienced a lot of independent work. I enjoyed being able to figure out my next move on my own. I also learned the difference between print and web writing because I did not take the course offered at Kutztown, which I regret.
Elizabeth Norris
Major: English/Professional Writing
Internship Site: Fox Chapel Publishing
My Internship Experience: The experience I gained from this position was invaluable. I learned about every aspect of book publishing, and, between my two internships, I was able to see almost the entire process from beginning to end. Since I am very interested in proofreading and editing, I was able to work on new manuscripts and books that were about to go to print. I also wrote summaries that appeared on the back covers of several books, and I learned more about computers than I ever thought possible.
Natoya Brown
Major: English/Professional Writing
Internship Site: Planned Parenthood & KU Women's Center
My Internship Experience: One of the most important things I learned from having two internships is to not over extend myself. In addition to having two internships, I also had two senior seminars (one for my major and one for my minor in International Studies) and I also returned to my hometown of Philadelphia to work twenty hours on the weekends. By the conclusion of the semester I was burnt out and stressed out, and my work at my internships suffered because of this. I did the best I could under the circumstances, but if I had to do it all over again, I would focus on one nine-credit internship.
Alina Ebling
Major: Environmental Science/Chemistry
Internship Site: University of Maryland
My Internship Experience: I spent 12 weeks at the Chesapeake Biological Lab (CBL) in Solomons, MD learning about different research in my field and also doing my own project dealing with trace metal sorption to the surface of sea lettuce. When not conducting my research, the other 13 REUs and I went to different conferences and activities throughout Maryland dealing with, mostly, marine and environmental science.
Lindsay Morris
Major: Leisure and Sports Studies
Internship Site: Philadelphia Force
Getting the Internship: I found and met the employer through the Sport Business Career Fair in October 2007.
My Internship Experience: It was a definite learning experience and I was able to experience lots of different areas to help me understand where I should try to get a career when I graduate in May.
Amanda Enke
Major: Public Administration
Internship Site: Doylestown Township
My Internship Experience: It took forever to find this internship. I emailed my resume to dozens of townships all over the place and very rarely got a response at all. It was really frustrating because I knew I had to find one or else I wasn't going to graduate. One day I was casually talking to a family friend about how hard it was for me to find an internship in local government, and she told me that her brother worked for a township in the area. He emailed me a list of people that I should get in contact with. I contacted someone at Doylestown Township and they got back to me within days. I went in for an interview, and then went to Europe for a few weeks. The whole time I was in Europe I had no idea if I was going to get the internship or not, but when I got home I got a call and was offered the position.
Bevin Lustman
Major: Psychology
Internship Site: Allentown State Hospital
My Internship Experience: My internship experience was incredible. In the beginning I was nervous and shy around the patients, but as I got to know the patients more, I opened up and became more personable. I was able to engage my patients and establish a rapport of trust with. I was able to sit in on interdisciplinary Patient Case Conferences with a famous Psychiatrist from University of Pennsylvania Hospital, observe psychological testing such as IQ tests and the Rorschach Ink Blots, and create and run therapy and psycho-educational groups.
Sara McDonnell
Major: Counseling Psychology
Internship Site: Brandywine Middle School
Getting the Internship: Make a lot of phone calls and don't get discouraged.
My Internship Experience:
Challenges: It was very valuable and enabled me to see whether or not it was something I might enjoy doing as a career.
Marisa Pelligrino
Major: Speech Communications/Public Relations
Internship Site: KU Student Involvement Office
Getting the Internship: I was lucky to have this internship. Beth Fisher, advisor for Greek Life, and something I am very involved in, offered it to me.
My Internship Experience: Taught me how to successfully execute and event on my own with no one's help.
