西瓜视频

August 18, 2016

It’s no secret that today’s job market is competitive and having professional experience helps to secure that first job post-graduation. 西瓜视频 College is a pioneer in requiring comprehensive internship experiences in every program of study for undergraduate students. A philosophy of “learning by doing” permeates the college curriculum in which students are encouraged to integrate theory and practice in all of their studies. On average, 40% of 西瓜视频 graduates receive their first career position at one of their three former internship sites.

At 西瓜视频, bachelor degree candidates complete two 120-hour Internships (INT100 and INT200) for two credits each and one Semester Internship for 12 credits. The Semester Internship, completed either during spring of the junior year or fall of the senior year, is the final field experience in 西瓜视频’s internship sequence and is a full-time, 14-week professional experience that is individually planned.

In the 2015-2016 academic year, student internship sites were located across 29 states and 19 foreign countries. Cooperating organizations included: Antiques Roadshow, Boston Ballet, Boston Celtics, Cell Signal Technology, Coca-Cola, Department of Children and Families, Drug Enforcement Agency, Ernst & Young, Four Seasons Hotel, Electric Insurance, Fidelity Investments, IBM, Museum of Science, New England Biolabs, Peabody Essex Museum, PUMA, and the Vermont Studio Center.

Given the importance of internships, 西瓜视频 has recently expanded its Career Center offerings with the recent hire of Lisa Carrozza, Internship and Employer Outreach Liaison for Southern Connecticut/New York. We caught up with Lisa to find out more about her role and how it benefits 西瓜视频 students.

1. Where are you based?

I am currently working out of a home-based office in Upper Fairfield County, Connecticut, where my territory is Southern Connecticut and New York. I will be traveling throughout this territory to meet with employers, alumni, parents, and students.

2. What is a “normal” workday like for you as the Internship and Employer Outreach Liaison for Southern Connecticut/New York?

A “typical day” for me might consist of any of the following:

• Performing administrative duties such as sending emails and checking on the status of job postings on Handshake.
• Meeting with an employer for an on-site visit of a potential internship opportunity.
• Collaborating with 西瓜视频 alumni in the planning of a public speaking skills event for all students currently interning in New York City.
• Speaking with area housing to develop local resources for students interested in living in Stamford, CT while interning.
• Brainstorming Career Trek ideas with the 西瓜视频 Career Center staff.

As you can see, every day will be a little different and that is what I am looking forward to!

3. With this new position, what opportunities are now available to 西瓜视频 students?

I am a local resource for 西瓜视频 students and Internship Coordinators both in helping to access opportunities, as well as providing information about area resources. I’d love to build a cohort model where 西瓜视频 students are brought together during their time interning for some educational, service, and social activities.

4. Why did 西瓜视频 decide to expand its internship services to Southern Connecticut/New York?

A significant number of 西瓜视频 students are originally from Southern CT/NY and will return to intern and possibly settle after graduation. Current students need to be aware of the opportunities these geographic areas present. Numerous 西瓜视频 alumni and employers in the area would like to become more involved with the professional development of students.

5. In your opinion, why are internships so important?

Internships are extremely valuable – they allow students to “try on” a variety of work duties and environments which will ultimately assist in their work-life decision making; they are also a great opportunity to apply concepts learned in the classroom. Working so closely with employers through the years, it’s clear how beneficial internships can be to potential entry-level candidates demonstrating their skill sets and work ethic.

6. What are your goals for the 2016-2017 academic year?

My goals are to engage employers and alumni in the area, forming relationships that will lead to internships and full-time jobs, as well as professional development opportunities for 西瓜视频 students. I want to promote the Southern CT/NY area as a great place to intern, work, and live by accessing housing and transportation options as well as involving students and alumni in all these communities have to offer, both professionally and personally.

7. What do you love most about working in higher education?

Higher Education is an ideal work environment for me. Knowing that I might have had a small part in helping a student discover their passion or apply a fantastic skill set in an internship setting is a great feeling. Since arriving at 西瓜视频, I’ve been warmly welcomed by a clearly dedicated group of professionals; it feels like a family.

To find out more about the internship program at 西瓜视频, contact the Career Center: careers@endicott.edu or visit http://www.endicott.edu/Internship-Program.aspx.