Allison Bertram
While many students choose to go on Study Abroad, others take the opportunity to explore prospective careers through summer jobs or internships. Three RCPD students decided to share their valuable experiences from summer 2016.
Ashley, Disney College Program
Ashley spent both spring and summer semesters where dreams come true – Walt Disney World. She worked in the merchandise department at Disney’s Port Orleans - French Quarter and Riverside Resorts, as part of the Disney College Program.
“Doing this program [was] truly life-changing,” Ashley affirmed. This experience not only helped her learn what career path she wants to take, but it also gave her a new perspective on life. “Being over 1000 miles away from home for seven months allowed me to grow up and learn how to live on my own. Being able to work for the Walt Disney Company showed me the true magic in life.”
If you’re a student interested in the Disney College Program, apply here!
Ashley with Mickey and Minnie Mouse at the Disney College Program "graduation" ceremony.
Menar, PPG Industries
Menar’s internship experience at PPG was met with dedication. Though she was a freshman, she was ready to make her mark on the engineering world.
“I went to all career fairs offered at MSU and was rejected a lot,” Menar stated. “I even had a company tell me ‘we don’t accept babies.’ Even after that I knew I was not going to take no for an answer, and I was not going to let one company discourage me or my abilities.”
That was when she found PPG. Menar noticed summer program flyers as she walked around campus, welcoming opportunities for freshmen.
PPG took all of the interns out to dinner and theater after their first day on the job. “I never thought I could feel extremely comfortable with that many strangers in the room,” she expressed. They also brought the interns to one of their plants, which left Menar feeling reassured and excited about her career.
At the end of the trip, interns were required to give a presentation to corporate members of PPG to decide their future with the company. Menar was understandably nervous. “I didn’t feel like I had as much experience as the other students that attended. I think most of my challenges were very internal,” she explained.
Menar’s actions outweighed her doubts, and her presentation secured her an offer to return to PPG next summer. “Once I received a call back, I knew that I really did try my best.”
Menar (far right, front row) with a group of fellow interns and friends at PPG Industries.
Alex, Langley Air Force Base
Alex spent her summer at the Langley Air Force base in Hampton, VA. She worked in their youth program as a childcare provider. She heard about the position from a friend who worked in a different department on the base. “I was immediately interested because I love children, [and] my career goal is to eventually work with them. This job was perfect.”
One can assume that when working with kids, every day is an interesting experience. “The children would say things that would throw me off completely and I couldn’t help but laugh,” Alex said. The kids were eager with questions ranging from personal life to academic life; a great opportunity to share her Spartan experience.
Although the job was funny at times, Alex also learned many life-lessons. “You learn how to get them to calm down just by talking to them rather than punishing them, and new ways to teach them and to be taught by them. It was great watching them experience everything.”
Here at RCPD, we believe in not only providing opportunities for education, but also opportunities beyond college. Visit our Careers Collaborative page to learn more!