Internships: A Step into the Real World

In today’s employment climate, it seems everyone needs to have an advantage over the competition since having just a bachelor’s degree sometimes doesn’t suffice. One thing employers look for among job candidates is experience. Many applicants fresh out of college lack experience, but a great way to get some while still going to college is through internships.

Josh Dye, an assistant project manager for Bluefield College’s School of Business, helps BC business students get internships because he knows just how valuable they are.

“The importance of having an internship is that it provides an ability to showcase what a student has learned in class,” Dye said.

The Business Department has many options for internships, depending on what field a student wants to be in, such as information technology, marketing, finance, cybersecurity, and management. Many BC business students choose the marketing option since opportunities tend to be greater there. Every business major is required to have an internship with 100 work hours. Many are set up locally with places like The Grind and Bluewolf. 

This year was an interesting one for internships in light of COVID-19 restrictions. While many cybersecurity students already do virtual internships, students in other business concentrations had to dive into virtual internships, as well.

“Internships are a keystone for the communication curriculum,” said Dr. Cynthia Bascom, chair of the Department of Communication, who also spoke about the importance of internships for her majors. “(Communication students) are required to do three credit hours (135 work hours), but many of them do more because they [internships] are very valuable.”

Many communications students come to Dr. Bascom with ideas and opportunities of their own, but on occasion she will set them up with internships with local businesses and organizations, like WVVA-TV, as well as with offices on the BC campus. Communication internships involve students in journalism, advertising, public relations, and marketing. 

In addition to the work hours completed, communication students are required to reflect on what they learned through the experience and to complete a portfolio of the work they accomplished. The last major part of the internship grade is an evaluation from the onsite supervisor who fills out a questionnaire and suggests a grade for the student.

Tanya Pinette, a senior communication major, has had a long-term internship with BC’s Advancement Office where she has worked in marketing and public relations as well as alumni relations on such tasks as managing the BC website.

“I have enjoyed my time working with them and will be sad to leave once I graduate,” Pinette said. “I highly recommend doing a communications or graphic communications internship there.”