Career Services host internship showcase

More than 150 students filled the R.J. Reynolds Business Center for the first internship showcase, Nov. 3, hosted by Career Services.

James Taylor, interim internship coordinator said the idea of having an internship showcase was brought up a few times. This year was the first time Career Services were able to execute it.

"My goal for the showcase was to offer many internship opportunities to all students," Taylor said.

Taylor, along with the Career Services staff, contacted representatives from different companies for the networking session.

Representatives from companies such as the Salvation Army, Goodwill, Advanced Placement, the Winston-Salem Fire Department and Police Department shared information about internship opportunities at their companies.

Doreen Lumpkin, a guest services manager at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, said that everything a student does at an internship will be observed.

"When completing an internship, arrive early, leave late and ask for more work; be persistent in everything you do," Lumpkin said.

John Sadler, a business development lender at Bank of The Carolinas, suggested that students prepare for an internship by making a list of companies they want to work for.

"Contact them and keep in mind that you will have to work hard for the knowledge and the experience needed to establish your career," Sadler said.

Shamaree Brown, a director of student athlete programs of the Athletic Coast Conference,   said an important aspect of internships is networking.

"You hear a lot of people saying no one's hiring, but when you know the right people, they will create a job for you," Brown said.

Taylor said another internship showcase will possibly take place next semester.

"If this is something that the students would like to do, I am more than willing to sit down with them to help move it forward."