On The Right Path

Wittenberg Students

Internship Success Stories

Finding the right career path is extremely important. Internships can help students figure out their future employment opportunities. Wittenberg students have numerous opportunities available to them through Handshake or by visiting the COMPASS: Sweet Success Center for guidance from the Office of Career Engagement & Professional Development.

Whether a student chooses a full-time internship during a period spent away from campus or a part-time internship near campus during the academic year, the experience provides an opportunity to combine theory learned in the classroom with real-world practice. It can be especially beneficial in the current job market, in which many organizations seek new college graduates who have experience or who can show evidence of superior internship performance.

Resources in the Career Center Library include directories of internship opportunities in the United States and abroad and copies of internship proposal forms submitted by former students. For more information, visit the Internships page.

Where Will Witt Take You?

Logan Caudill Hometown: Kokomo, Indiana
Major: Sport Management
Minor: Communication

Tell me where your internship took place and what were your responsibilities?

“During my internship with the Champion City Kings, I was involved in fan engagement. My responsibilities included organizing pregame activities, coordinating with participants for the Field of Dreams event, and managing various in-game fan activities such as games for the kids, T-shirt tosses, and selecting the ‘Kid of the Game.’ I also took part in postgame duties like teardown and cleanup, and ensuring the stadium was ready for the next event.

“What I liked most about my internship was the hands-on experience of being right in the middle of the action during game days. My favorite part was the interaction with the fans, especially the kids, and seeing the excitement on their faces during the events I helped organize. The opportunity to be involved in live sports and contribute to creating memorable experiences for the fans were incredibly rewarding.”

What did you learn through this experience and how did it help you?

“Throughout my internship, I strengthened my organizational, communication, and leadership skills. Handling fan engagement activities required precise coordination and quick decision-making, which improved my ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure. I also gained valuable experience in event planning and execution, which will be beneficial in any future roles within the sports management or communication world.”

How has your time and experience at Wittenberg prepared you for this internship?

“My education at Wittenberg has provided a strong foundation in sports management principles, particularly through courses like Event and Facility Management. These courses equipped me with the knowledge needed to plan and execute successful events, which I applied directly during my internship. The emphasis on communication and teamwork in my classes also prepared me to work effectively with others, whether it was coordinating with co-workers or interacting with fans.”

What advice might you give to others about the importance of securing an internship?

“Securing an internship is crucial for gaining real world experience that you simply can’t get in the classroom. It allows you to apply what you’ve learned in a practical setting, build professional connections, and develop skills that are essential for your future career. My advice would be to actively seek out opportunities, even if they’re outside your comfort zone, because the experience you gain will be invaluable.”

Tell me a little about your upcoming senior year and about this new opportunity to do broadcasting and PA work for the University.

“In my upcoming senior year, I’ll be taking on a new role in broadcasting and PA work for the University. I’ll be involved in live broadcasting of games and providing commentary, which is an exciting opportunity to enhance my communication skills and deepen my understanding of sports media. I’m looking forward to gaining experience in this field and exploring another aspect of the sports industry as I feel having a wide range of skills is essential in the sporting world.

“After graduating from Wittenberg, I plan to pursue a career in sport management. I really enjoyed my experience doing fan engagement and will probably pursue a job like that. My ultimate goal is to work within a professional sports organization, where I can combine my passion for sports with the skills I’ve developed during my time at Wittenberg and through my internships. I believe I have a good skillset that would contribute very well to any organization that may give me an opportunity. I look forward to using all the skills that I have learned at Wittenberg and believe they will help me be very successful in the future.”

Aloysious KamaraHometown: Columbus, Ohio.
Major: Sports Management
Minor: Exercise Science

Tell me where your internship took place and what were your responsibilities?

“This past summer I was blessed with the opportunity to intern with Developmental Disabilities of Clark County, as a communications and marketing intern. I came across this internship through the Hagen Center Civic Engagement Program. During this time period, I was also able to develop a brand name logo, and T-shirt mockups for internship program. I was also able to obtain my CPR certification on my first week and was able to use a lot of my outside skills to aid me through this internship. Along with developing a brand I got a chance to utilize my graphic design skills to develop logos, T-shirt mockups, and flyers for our football clinic in partnership with Wittenberg’s football team.

“Post-graduation, I am open to getting into the event coordinator field within the sports industry, so I was tasked with coordinating a football clinic with Wittenberg University football team. I was required to oversee the organizational process for this clinic, which included scheduling meetings, marketing, conducting traveling to other college’s clinic to observe, etc.  The football clinic was only open to kids with disabilities at the elementary and middle school level. This clinic was able to give the board of disabilities to connect with the Springfield community and gave the kids a chance to learn about football from college athletes. This was my first hands on experience in coordinating an event all on my own. The turnout of this event was amazing, seeing the happiness in the children’s faces was an amazing feeling, definitely one of my proudest accomplishments to date. Furthermore, I developed a community list for potential partnerships between Clark County and the developmental disabilities center. The football clinic has been my favorite part of my internship experience, getting to be around the kids was always a wholesome moment.

“During the internship process I was able to improve my communication skills in a professional environment, as well as improve organizational and time management skills, and furthermore network. All skills that would be very valuable to me as I continue my job search process. Being at Wittenberg has been very beneficial to my growth process academically, and professionally. From taking various Gen ed classes, all which provided me a lot of soft skills, professional skills and giving me different perspectives on different topics.

What advice would you offer to other students looking to land an internship?

“My advice to others about the importance of internships would be that it gives you an early experience on the career path you would want to get into, or maybe not want to get into. It also helps you with networking, I’ve made connections with a lot with people that I know I count on for a lot of different things, for example my internship supervisor has been very helpful to me from riding me various job recommendations and connecting me to high level people in my career field of interest.

Daniel LyonsHometown: London, Ohio
Major: Cybersecurity and Communication & Digital Media

Tell me where your internship took place and what were your responsibilities?

“I was a cybersecurity intern with Hylant, and my responsibilities include investigating malicious emails, collaborating on training campaigns, and educating employees on cybersecurity awareness. I really enjoy getting to travel to Toledo to work in the office! My department team members are fun to work with, and I got to work with other interns on a capstone project presented to the executive team!

“Through this internship, I’ve learned how to communicate professionally in a position where I interact with employees all over the company. I’ve also learned more about the interview and onboarding process in the weeks leading up to my hiring. COMPASS has been a huge help in preparing me for the process of getting an internship (thank you Joi!), and the classes I’ve taken in Comm have grown my communicative skills in the workplace.

What advice would you offer to other students looking to land an internship?

“My advice for internships is to apply for everything that you can! Truthfully, the process is long and very difficult, but the experience you’ll gain as an intern can be worth more than what you’ll learn in classes. Give yourself the best chance to succeed by keeping your mind open to all your options!"

Kaitlyn MillerHometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Major: Management & Marketing major

Tell me where your internship took place and what were your responsibilities?

“I was a Marketing Matchday/Grassroots Activation Intern for the Columbus Crew for the 2023 season (from February to December). Some responsibilities of myself and our team of interns were to execute matchday or grassroots activations, assist with in-match experiences and halftime contests, coordinate mascots, as well as create an overall positive environment with our supporters and sponsors,” Miller said.

“My favorite part was meeting all the amazing people from the Crew who have taught me so much! Throughout my internship, I have been able to strengthen my communication, organization, and teamwork skills that will definitely help me overall and when applying for future jobs!

“Throughout my time at Wittenberg, I have been very involved, whether that is working on campus, being in Greek life, or involvement in clubs, which has helped me develop skills for the real world and prepare for opportunities just like this internship. In addition to that, there are so many opportunities to network on campus and build connections that can help with finding those perfect internships.”

What advice would you offer to other students looking to land an internship?

“Now is the best time to secure an internship as they can provide you with real-world experiences that a classroom cannot! Also, they give you the opportunity to build relationships that can help you learn about the industry and career you are interested in as well as potentially opening doors for future opportunities.”

Avery LivingstonHometown: Greer, South Carolina
Major: Psychology & Neuroscience
Minor: Data Science

Tell me where your internship took place and what were your responsibilities?

“I interned at the Hagen Center analyzing data collected from the CCUE 100 course over the past five years to assess its impact, identify ways to improve the program, and deepen our understanding of transformative learning,” Livingston said. “This project involves collaboration, data analysis, qualitative coding, and time management.

“My favorite part was likely the data analysis (even though it might not sound exciting on paper), as it allowed me to delve into people’s experiences with service sites and understand how these sites may have impacted student’s lives,” he added.

What did you learn through this experience and how did it help you?

“My professional skills have greatly improved as I've gained firsthand experience with a 9 to 5 job, enhancing my ability to communicate changes and collaborate effectively with my team. I find this useful when applying for future internships, jobs, and grad schools,” Livingston said. “Part of what prepared me for this internship is my experimental design class. While conducting an experiment for the class, my supervisor observed my ability to execute and understand the procedure, which reassured them of my skills when I applied for the position. Doing an internship gives me a chance to learn professional skills that you cannot find in the classroom alone.”

Conor O'MalleyHometown: Avon Ohio
Major: Finance

Tell me where your internship took place and what were your responsibilities?

“I interned with Republic Finance in Avon Lake, Ohio. During my internship I assisted in daily production of loan origination, processing, closings, and fundings. I evaluated risk utilizing a thorough analysis of the borrower's application, account, and credit information,” O’Malley said.

“My favorite part of my internship was working directly with customers to work out the most efficient offers for both parties. Some skills I learned during my internship were being able to work with others in a professional environment, as well as working with customers directly. Wittenberg prepared me with the tools needed in the financial world to become a quick learner in something that I have never done before.”

What advice would you offer to other students looking to land an internship?

“Some advice I would give to others searching for an internship is to be proactive when searching and get on top of it early. The earlier you start applying for internships, the more opportunities are available. Look for something that you eventually want to do in the future, but don't be afraid to try something new!”

Katelyn TroyerHometown: Orrville Ohio
Major: Business Management with a Supply Chain Concentration

Tell me where your internship took place and what were your responsibilities?

“I had a summer internship at Jarrett Logistics,” she said. “I was an Operations Intern at Jarrett. Throughout my time there my day-to-day requirements included scheduling pickups, providing rate quotes, and calling carriers for updates on shipments. My favorite part of my internship was my team. They were so welcoming and assisted me thoroughly with training.

“From my internship, I learned valid communication skills through dealing with conflict. Additionally, maintaining relationships with my clients, applying time management, and having attention to detail are other skills I learned from my time at Jarrett.

“Wittenberg has exceeded tremendously with helping me through my time here. I have the availability to be the first student to graduate with a supply chain degree from Wittenberg. They have provided me with the resources and adjustments needed to complete my degree. It has allowed me experience the true business world. I have been provided with real life feedback along with applying all of the knowledge I had received in class to put it into practice.”

Gracie PantaloneHometown: Wadsworth, Ohio
Major: Biology
Minor: Religion

Tell me where your internship took place and what were your responsibilities?

“I interned for the City of Springfield and worked in the Community Development office over the summer,” Pantalone said. “I spent the summer creating planning documents, building a website, creating business cards, and attending meetings with my supervisors for Legacy 24, a new initiative launched by the City of Springfield. Another big project I did was a social media campaign. I launched the Community Spotlights on the Legacy 24 Facebook group. This involved me reaching out to members of the community, planning, and conducting in-person interviews so I could write a short blurb on what they do for the community.

“My favorite part of the internship was getting to explore Springfield and meet people that are working hard and investing in the future of Springfield,” she added. “I enjoyed getting the opportunity to meet new people and create new connections with them as well. This also opened me up to different experiences, such as helping the Springfield Police Department with training, which I really enjoyed having.”

What did you learn through this experience and how did it help you?

“I learned a lot about what I am good at during this internship,” Pantalone said. “I really enjoy getting to work with people in the community and talking with them. I have found that I am really good at listening to others when they are talking, but at the same time, I can ask thought-provoking questions. I would say that I have also made connections with professional individuals that were able to give me advice on my future and gave me suggestions. I came into the internship knowing that I wanted to pursue a career in dentistry, but through this internship that has nothing to do with dentistry or biology, I met people who gave me suggestions on how to make it happen. I have really grown my confidence in speaking with others about topics that I am unsure about, and I have learned that asking questions only helps you. I am grateful that I was able to collect information that is useful to me as I pursue my career through meeting people.”

What advice would you offer to other students looking to land an internship?

“I think that you should not be afraid to reach out to professionals in your field because I think that interning under someone is the best learning experience and way to understand what this job would look like in a day-to-day basis,” she said. “I also think that it is important to learn about and ask about what the internship's mission is, such as ‘What will I be doing?’ and ‘Why am I doing this?’ because I think that will help you determine if you will be actively involved or just working a regular job.”

Read more of our students' internship stories as they pursue their passion and find their purpose.

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