Summer Internships Extend Classroom Learning

Communication alumni often attribute part of their career success to the internships they completed during their time at Parkside. Internships can teach you whether a job is a right fit, or not. Internships extend your classroom studies and strengthen your resume. For these reasons, several Communication students are spending their summer months gaining professional communication experience at for- and non-profit organizations in Kenosha, Racine, and even North Carolina!

Erica Hammond is a marketing intern at Jockey International in Kenosha. "I applied, went in for an interview, and was offered the job on the spot," says Erica. "I'll be working for Jockey through the summer. I am so excited for this opportunity!" Erica is a transfer student from UW-Oshkosh. She is one of several students who started their undergraduate studies at other UW campuses then returned home to complete their degrees. For Erica, Racine is home and Parkside is her university home.

Stephanie Kohel is an intern at Culinary Infusion, an events management and catering company with its own venue, Circa on Seventh in Kenosha. Culinary Infusion is owned and managed by Parkside Communication alumna Kathy Meyer. When Kathy and her family purchased the century-old building, they restored it back to its original splendor with 22 ft.-high ceilings and original brick walls and enhanced it with modern touches. Stephanie will put her organizational and creative problem-solving skills to the test at this internship.

Janette Ream secured a marketing and public relations internship at RAM - the Racine Art Museum. Her work draws on multiple modes of communication – written, oral, interpersonal, and digital –to build awareness of RAM's exhibits and educational programs. Her work supports the marketing and development staff in increasing the number of visitors and supporters of the non-profit organization. Best of all, she is surrounded by original art!

Mark Swenson is a radio intern for the Tom and Emily Morning Show on 95 WIIL Rock in Kenosha. He was invited to the station for an interview and showed up in a suit and tie. In the spirit of the Morning Show, Emily (another Parkside Communication alum) and Tom made fun of Mark's professional attire – on the air. Mark was a good sport, playing along with the wild banter and was offered the summer internship position. Improvisation and the ability to find humor in everyday situations are important for this internship.

Aron Yohannes drove for two days from Milwaukee to Charlotte, North Carolina to serve as a digital/video intern at Sporting News, a syndicated professional and collegiate sports news provider for 400 publishers and 25 million viewers. Aron's career goal is to be a sports journalist. During the school year, while taking Parkside's Communication classes, Aron is a credentialed reporter covering the Milwaukee Bucks and the Green Bay Packers. Central to his success is his presence on social media, including a blog, Facebook, and Twitter. Aron's first few stories for Sporting News focused on the NBA Draft lottery, Hawks vs. Cavaliers, and interviews with ESPN analysts Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy. He is living and working his dream!

While a few students, such as Aron, initiated their own internships, most students seek assistance from Communication Internship Supervisor Mary Waid who receives listings from organizations, including Parkside's Advising and Career Center. Students earn internship credit by enrolling in Comm 494 taught by Ms. Waid. Some internships also provide stipends.

For more information: waid@uwp.edu