National Intern Day: Parkside Works
In recognition of National Intern Day on July 31, The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is proud to highlight the stories of three current students who are engaged in exciting, hands-on summer internships.
Dr. Lori Allen approached Bayleigh Tienhaara, a senior chemistry major and biology minor, about a summer internship with a biopharmaceutical company. Dr. Allen connected Bayleigh to Pfanstiehl Inc., a producer of active pharmaceutical ingredients, and helped coordinate an interview for her.
Bayleigh is now a member of the Method Development and Validation team at Pfanstiehl, where she conducts experiments and tests different methods to see how they affect the outcomes of the products. Bayleigh ensures that the products Pfanstiehl produces are ready to be sold across the world while learning from industry experts. “Being able to listen to chemistry and biology experts discuss the issues they’re running into and come up with solutions has allowed me to see how the concepts that I’m learning from my courses are getting applied in the real world,” Bayleigh says.
Bayleigh is pursuing a career that focuses on the diagnostic, laboratory-based side of medicine, such as pathology or radiology. Bayleigh states, “I have truly grown my love for working in a chemical laboratory, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer brings for me!”
Much like Bayleigh, Jose Olivo, a junior double majoring in business management and communication with a minor in public relations, has benefited from the mentorship of Parkside faculty and staff in preparation for his marketing internship with the City of Racine Public Works Department. Jose acknowledges that he wouldn’t have been prepared to apply for this internship without the help of the SSS TRIO program. “TRIO helped me with networking, leadership development, career planning, and gaining confidence in professional settings.”
One of his key projects this summer is the Recycle Right, Racine campaign. He creates graphics, responds to community questions, and develops flyers and videos to educate citizens on the importance of recycling. Jose had the chance to apply his learning in a hands-on way during the Clean Sweep, when he and his team cleaned up a street in Racine.
Jose is already looking to the future and how this experience is shaping his career trajectory. “This internship has opened a door for me in local government and introduced me to career paths I never considered before. The projects I’ve worked on show me how much I enjoy using marketing to make a difference in the community,” Jose explained.
Sabah Elayan, a junior majoring in psychology, searched for a long time to find a role that aligned with her career interests, was close to her home, and provided flexibility for her busy schedule. She found her fit and was hired by the Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP) as a Behavioral Technician. Sabah learned that relevant work experiences can qualify for the department's internship course. After confirming with her WEAP supervisor, she was thrilled to learn that her Behavioral Technician role would qualify for summer internship credit.
WEAP is part of LEARN Behavioral, a national organization dedicated to nurturing the unique potential of children with autism and special needs. Sabah works with children ranging from eighteen months to six years old, and she acknowledges how much her psychology courses have equipped her with essential skills that she regularly applies when interacting with her clients. “We try to teach our clients to do certain things, like how to use the restroom or how to communicate their needs. My cognitive psychology course with Dr. Graham covered the process of conditional learning, which translates well to the work I’m doing with my kids.”
From hearing one of her young clients say her name for the first time, to turning the simplest toy into an imaginative learning tool, Sabah has found both personal and professional fulfillment in her role. “Kids can’t always express what they need, so adults need to be their voice. This internship has secured the fact that I want to center my career around children.”
UW-Parkside prides itself on providing experiential learning opportunities like these as a key strategy for meeting employer talent needs. To strengthen workforce partnerships, UW-Parkside launched Parkside Works, a platform connecting higher education with industry, government, nonprofits, and community partners. As a central “front door” to academic programs, research, and workforce training, Parkside Works delivers real-world learning and career-ready skills.
Led by UW-Parkside alumnus and community advocate Steve Donovan, Parkside Works helps students like Bayleigh, Jose, and Sabah graduate with the skills, confidence, and experience to succeed and make a lasting impact in their workplaces and communities.
“Students like Bayleigh, Jose, Sabah are not just waiting for the future, they’re shaping it,” says Donovan. “Through Parkside Works, students gain hands-on experience and employers get the talent they need. Parkside Works is cultivating talent, driving progress, and fueling innovation. Whether you're a student ready to grow or an employer ready to connect, we're here to help.”
If you’re a student curious about how internships can shape your future, contact Kaila Bingen, Experiential Education Specialist, at bingenk@uwp.edu. If you’re an organization looking to partner with UW-Parkside, reach out to Steve Donovan at donovans@uwp.edu.
Since its founding in 1968, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside has been a trusted partner for the region’s higher educational needs, empowering students to thrive, advancing applied knowledge, and developing talent for the future. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates and pre-professional programs, designed to foster personal and professional growth through real-world and impactful learning experiences. Located in the dynamic Chicago-Milwaukee corridor, UW-Parkside offers unmatched access to world-class internships, professional networks, and endless career-building opportunities, placing students at the center of it all.
Media contact:
Derek Fye
Communications Manager
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Fye@uwp.edu | (262) 771-5419