In response to numerous inquiries from business and community leaders, Kent State University at Tuscarawas is expanding partnerships with area companies, businesses and agencies to provide student interns at their place of business.
According to Dr. Brad Bielski, dean and chief administrative office at Kent State Tuscarawas, “Kent State Tuscarawas has been partnering with business and industry in Tuscarawas and surrounding counties to provide internships for more than 25 years. Companies such as Allied Machine and Engineering, Inc., GE Lighting, Lauren International and Aleris International rely on Kent State Tuscarawas for knowledgeable and skilled interns, as well as potential employees. This new Intern Program formalizes and strengthens the existing referral process.
“This is a valuable program that is mutually beneficial for the students and participating companies. A student internship provides a unique opportunity for qualified students to gain valuable professional experience and build career-specific skills at local business and industry, while at the same time contributing directly to the goals of the company or organization. We are excited to provide this service to the community.”
Internships are developed to assist employers in meeting organizational goals while also providing a mentored, career-related experience for the intern. Internships can occur during the fall, spring, or summer semesters. They can range from two months to more than six months, although the average internship lasts about a semester. While some internships are full-time, others range from 10 to 30 hours per week. An internship experience can be paid, unpaid, for credit, not for credit or any combination of these. Details about the number of hours worked, length of internship, rate of pay and other specifics are usually negotiated between employers and potential interns with the guidance of an academic advisor.
“Complementing the Intern Program is the campus Community Career Opportunities board found on our website at www.kent.edu/tusc/jobs-internships,” added Bielski. “Intern opportunities, as well as job openings are posted at this central location, which is available to students and alumni.”
The Office of Business and Community Services (BCS) at Kent State Tuscarawas serves as a single point of contact for the Intern Program. BCS staff will monitor all aspects of the program and is responsible for administrative oversight of the program. Kent State Tuscarawas faculty members oversee the academic portion of the intern experience.
Kent State Tuscarawas offers 11 bachelor degree programs and 17 associate degree programs in the areas of agribusiness, criminology, nursing, engineering technology, business, education, veterinary technology, English, psychology computers, communications studies and computer design, animation and game design, to name a few.
For more information about the Kent State Tuscarawas Intern Program, please contact William H. Beisel at 330-308-7437 or wbeisel@kent.edu