Quincy University students are navigating ways to secure internships by using campus resources, online networking platforms, and local opportunities.

For college students preparing to enter the workforce, finding an internship can be an important step toward gaining professional experience. However, searching for opportunities, preparing application materials, and navigating the interview process can take time.

QU helps to connect students to local internship and work opportunities. One student, Casey Fronheiser, is in her senior year as a forensic psychology major at QU. She is spending her semester interning at Chaddock, a local treatment center and school for children age 0-21. Chaddock is internationally recognized for their treatment of children suffering from psychological, emotional, and spiritual effects of significant abuse, neglect and trauma.

“I think it’s helpful moving forward in my career because I get some real-world experience before actually kind of getting out there and getting a real job,” Fronheiser said.

She also added that she enjoys getting to work with the kids and seeing what makes them who they are.

Fronheiser is not the first student at QU to have an internship at Chaddock or other organizations local to Quincy. Kristen Liesen, Director of Experiential Learning at QU, helps to connect students with possible internship opportunities. Other staff at QU such as the success coaches or academic advisors are also available to help students.

“What makes getting an internship so hard is that students don’t always know where or how to start. A good starting point is working on a resume and continuing to work on it throughout the year, we are here to help with that.” Liesen said.

She added that she is also available to help with mock interviews and create cover letters with students. Liesen serves as a bridge for students and the Quincy community, helping them connect and score opportunities for the future.

Apart from the people available as resources, students also have access to online networking platforms such as LinkedIn, as well as QU’s career closet which contains an array of professional attire for students to use at any time.

Some majors at QU specifically require an internship in order to graduate, and even when it is not required, students deem it necessary to move into the next stages of their careers. For example, students like Taran Rose, a QU biology pre-med major, do not need an internship in order to graduate. However, he considers an internship a way for students to improve their resume and build experience.

“I think internships provide a great look into how the workplace functions, and I think every student can benefit from it in one way or another,” Rose said.

Finding an internship takes time and preparation, but students do not have to navigate the process alone. By updating their resumes, exploring job platforms and seeking guidance on campus, students can get a head start on finding opportunities.

Students are encouraged to keep exploring opportunities that interest them, attend career events, and use the available resources. Each of these steps are ways to prepare students for life after graduation.