INTERNSHIPS@STATE:
EMBRACED BY THE DIVISION OF HOUSING & FOOD SERVICES
By Laura King, Assistant Human Resources Manager

As part of the Boldness By Design initiatives, Internships@State was launched to provide MSU students with opportunities to get meaningful, real-world work experience right here at Michigan State University. Since the program’s inception in August 2008, the Division of Housing & Food Services has embraced Internships@State and is committed to making good use of the program as a way to recruit graduating students and to promote the University as a future employer.

“H&FS has been one of the leading departments on campus regarding the initiative and has dedicated a great deal of time and effort in finding great internship opportunities for MSU students here on campus,” said Wendy Coduti, internship coordinator for Internships@State. “The experiences they have provided to students have been very beneficial in giving students real-world knowledge and understanding, as well as the chance to build upon skills they have gained in the classroom.”

Why Are Internships So Valuable?

Internships are a great way for students to gain the experience and skills sought by future employers. MSU Collegiate Employment Research Institute found that 50 percent of employers surveyed agreed students should have at least one internship, while the other 50 percent believe students should have at least two or even three! That’s because students who have internships are more likely to be well-rounded employees who:

• Select a career with confidence
• Create more contacts through networking
• Receive more job offers
• Move up in a company faster
• Earn more money
• Gain practical experience
• Complement work of regular staff and assist with special projects
• Gain new ideas from current trends in learning and technology

H&FS Internships

H&FS is a wonderful place for students to intern for a number of reasons. Internships at H&FS allow students to get real-world work experience and have flexible schedules while they take classes.

“Having an internship with the Division of Housing & Food Services is one of the best experiences I’ve had,” said Tony Tran, Human Resources intern and Labor and Industrial Relations master’s candidate. “As a first-year graduate student studying human resources, my internship allows me to apply theories learned in class so that I can get a complete learning experience in the field of human resources. The best part of the internship is the people in the Division. Everyone is always willing to take their time to help you no matter how busy they are.”

With a diversity of businesses within the Division, H&FS also provides internship experience in a variety of career fields. As interns for H&FS, students can be actively engaged in the business and operational aspects of MSU, and work with a multi-cultural and multi-generational workforce.

Divisional Mentors

This semester, 24 employees from all areas of the Division were chosen as Divisional mentors by H&FS Human Resources. The mentors have worked with H&FS Human Resources to place student interns in various areas of the Division and help demonstrate a cooperative learning environment.

“The Internships@State program is an excellent opportunity for H&FS to partner with the academic departments at MSU to ensure we all meet the University mission of Advancing Knowledge and Transforming Lives,” said Denise Zieleniewski, H&FS Human Resources manager and Divisional mentor.

If you’re a student interested in an internship with the Division of Housing & Food Services or are an H&FS employee looking for a qualified intern for your unit, please contact Wendy Coduti at 517-884-1347 or coduti@msu.edu, or Laura King at 517-884-0414 or whitlo11@msu.edu.

WHAT THE INTERNS ARE SAYING ABOUT THEIR TIME WITH H&FS

Chris Remley, Student Affairs Administration, Master’s student, graduating May 2010 — “My program requires two practicum experiences. I really wanted to have one centered on sustainability and I was pointed to Diane Barker. I’ve been able to sit in on meetings and practice methods allowing me to gain professional experience. I hope to apply what I’ve learned about sustainability here at MSU to my future career.”

Supriya Matreja, Master’s student in Public Relations, graduating in 2010 — “The most important thing about this internship is the practical application of my education and skills. As an internal auditor intern for University Apartments, I like to see the diversity of the students who live here — I get to know them and learn many different cultures. The best thing about H&FS is the multitude of opportunities that are offered to stud

Cody Taylor, Accounting major, graduating May 2009 — “As someone who had been employed on campus as an underclassman, I really valued the convenience and quality of experiences associated with being able to work at MSU. As an intern with H&FS, I have been able to strengthen my skills acquired from the classroom in a professional and nurturing environment, not to mention in one of the most reputable housing and food services programs in the nation.”

Ashley Adams, Advertising major with specializations in Public Relations and Graphic Design, graduating May 2010 — “The experience that I have gained through my internship at MSU and H&FS has been invaluable. On-the-job experience is the best way to learn. I feel extremely prepared to take on a job when I graduate.”

John Lauckner, Professional Writing major, graduating May 2010 — “Interning with University Housing has been an overall great experience. The friendly environment not only allowed me to utilize my skills as a writer and designer, but allowed me to learn new ones. After working here, I feel more confident in being able to contribute in future workplace scenarios.”

Pei Tien Chen, Labor and Industrial Relations, Master’s candidate, graduating May 2009 — “I really have enjoyed the time I have worked in this internship at H&FS Human Resources. The people that work in H&FS are kind and approachable. They have allowed me to gain precious experience, network, and apply my learning to the real world. “

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